YOUTH leaders hope to galvanise Purbeck's unsung army of musical talent in the hope of landing teenagers lucrative careers.

Aspiring or accomplished musicians are being urged to drop in to Swanage Youth Centre to take advantage of a new weekly music project.

Professional equipment - including a digital recording suite - will be available to help grass-roots musicians realise their dreams.

Project co-ordinator Matt Wilkinson said: "The aim is to increase the potential and career chances in the music industry for young people.

"Rehearsal space, guest speakers, instrumental workshops, performance technique and events planning are among the many things being offered."

The project took its first tentative steps months ago, when Swanage girl Aislinn O'Neil spoke of her frustration at a lack of affordable rehearsal space for her band.

Aislinn explained: "I asked Matt if there was anywhere we could rehearse and record a demo and we found out there was very little in the way of support for people like us."

The Youth Opportunity Fund-backed project, which is accredited to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, starts next week.

Area youth worker Jeff Andrews said: "Once this need had been recognised, the form-filling and funding process began and six months down the line we are pleased to be able to utilise this fantastic resource with an exciting programme for young musicians. The design of the equipment means that virtually everything can be recorded, not just musicians and live bands, but budding DJs can also practise and record their skills on the industry-standard DJ equipment."

The project, for those aged from 13 to 19, launches at the youth centre, Chapel Lane, at 7.30pm on Thursday, November 1.