A GROUP of young choral singers will be striking the right notes thanks to a grant from West Devon Borough Council.

The Okehampton Youth Chorus is planning a residential weekend for its 18 members, where younger singers can develop their vocal skills and the elder members learn new peer mentoring and education techniques.

The chorus of 8 to 14- year-olds sings a mix of traditional English and world music, performing at a wide variety of community events. The group is always looking for new talent: members need to be young and enthusiastic.

Over the past year the group has hosted young singers from as far away as the Czech Republic and South Africa.

The weekend residency project contributes to the council's Sustainable Community Strategy and also gives young people the opportunity to experience working with others from different cultures, celebrating local cultural heritage through music.

Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of West Devon Borough Council's Environment and Community Committee, said: 'The Okehampton Youth Chorus does a wonderful job in bringing communities together and promoting the arts during the year, so it is a pleasure to be able to use the Community Art Fund to help them.

'The importance of music and dance in education is often underestimated. They are not only important in themselves but also form a vital ingredient in a child's development,' he said.