BUSKERS are delighting shoppers on town centre streets with their musical talents, says new research.

A survey by Carling found that 77% of Huddersfield people like listening to music in public places and 61% said they'd stopped to listen.

Buskers brighten the day of workers and shoppers in Huddersfield.

Kirklees Council has run a licensed busking scheme since 2001. Twenty-five buskers currently hold the one-year licence, although the council has almost double that number on its books.

To receive a licence buskers have to audition and they then receive an identity badge and a code of practice.

Mark Prescod, of Carling, said: "A welcome blast of live music on the dull daily trek to and from work certainly puts a spring into the step of commuters.

"We'd urge everyone to get a regular dose of good live music to boost their spirits."

The online research, commissioned to find out the importance of live music, also found that more than half (57%) went to live music gigs at least once a year and 25% said they'd choose a live music event over a slap up meal for a feel-good night out.

Carling sponsors the Leeds Festival and the management of the CarlingLive Underground Music Scheme.

The scheme is in operation at 31 registered pitches in central London Underground stations.