YOUNG people in West Devon interested in developing their musical skills and playing instruments with a group are being invited to join Tavistock Music Academy.

The after school academy is for anyone between the ages of seven and 18 in Tavistock and the surrounding areas, which aims to give students the opportunity to play instruments as part of a group.

The academy started in September and, now in its second term, has room for more students.

Academy director Debbie Randles said with the large number of small schools in the area, playing as part of a big group was not always possible, but the academy offers this opportunity: 'We run a guitar group, an orchestra, a choir, a jazz band, a ukulele group and a percussion group.

'Some of the groups are aimed at children who currently have instrumental lessons but some of the groups require no experience whatsoever so you can be a complete beginner. We also provide the instruments for our ukulele and percussion group.'

At the end of each term the academy holds a concert for friends and family to see the progress students have made.

Tavistock Music Academy runs after school on Fridays between 4pm and 6.30pm at Tavistock College. The first half term is free to new students and £10 per term after that.

For more information visit the academy website at http://www.tavistockmusicacademy.co.uk">www.tavistockmusicacademy.co.uk