WORLD class cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber was the guest of honour at the launch of an exciting new project in Okehampton last Tuesday, bringing musical opportunities to children who may not otherwise have access to them.

The Okehampton Music Centre, which starts officially in January, will offer children in the Okehampton Learning Community from Year 3 upwards, the chance to take part in a scholarship scheme which aims to remove the financial barriers associated with learning an instrument.

Joining Mr Lloyd-Webber in attendance at the celebratory launch on October 14 were Angela Renshaw, musical director of Truro School and Cornwall County Choirs, and Carol Jarvis, a trombonist who has performed with numerous artists, including Muse at the Brit Awards, Sting and as part of a Doctor Who soundtrack.

Mr Lloyd-Webber gave his time to speak to some college music students before speaking at the event.

He said: 'This is brilliant. It's really bucking the trend to do something for music.

'Let's hope it starts a new trend.

'I think all children should have access to music.

'It shouldn't just be about children whose parents can afford to pay for lessons and instruments. You don't know whether a child has talent unless they are given a chance to find out.

'Family finances can be a massive barrier to playing music. Especially for instruments like the violin or cello, where they cost £200 or £300. And then you have to pay for lessons on top.

'A lot of families just can't do it. Especially if you have two or three children, that is a big budget. And with lessons at £30 or £40 a go, a lot of people simply can't afford that.'

Children will be able to attend group music lessons at Okehampton College after school free of charge, learning a selection of instruments and singing. Partnerships have been formed to ensure that children and young people will receive high quality teaching and have access to excellent resources.

The focus will be particularly on providing lessons for orchestral instruments that have fallen out of fashion in recent years, including the oboe, bassoon, trombone and cello.

The college's head of music Val Berry said: 'It has been a dream of mine for a long time to have a youth orchestra in Okehampton College.

'Thanks to the music centre it now has a real chance of becoming a reality.

'I have had countless times where parents have said to me that one of their biggest regrets is not learning to play a musical instrument while at school. Children here now have that chance and we really want them to take it.

'I hope the launch event acts as a stimulus for the children who attended to want to learn an instrument.'

The music centre came about after Okehampton United Charity invited local organisations to bid for funding for musical projects. Community Links, a community interest company, was selected to run the scheme.

Community Links is looking to hear from people interested in helping with the project in any capacity.

Those wishing to get involved need not necessarily have a background with music, as they can help out in other ways.

You can register an interest in the Okehampton Music Centre by contacting Heather Parks at [email protected]">[email protected] or by phone on 01837 650933.

Mr Lloyd-Webber had the utmost faith that the project would succeed, thanks to the team driving it.

'It's all about the teaching,' he said.

'Teachers can be the ones to inspire, or they can put people off. Teaching is hugely important. This is kind of a different approach.

'It's more fun, but it's still demanding high standards.

'Val and the teachers here seem really brilliant.

'She is a great inspiration and clearly loves what she is doing. You can see what is being done here will make a huge difference. It is people like Val here, that is what you need.

'Without that, you have nothing.'