HUDDERSFIELD youngsters have the chance to join in one of the town's musical success stories.
The award-winning North Stars Steel Orchestra is starting a steel pan academy and is inviting youngsters from the age of nine to have lessons.
Orchestra manager Kelvin Benjamin said: "This is a great opportunity for youngsters looking to try something new. For those who work hard the rewards can be tremendous.
"The last group of young people we trained went on to perform for the Queen and Prime Minister, appear on BBC TV's Blue Peter and become National Steel Band Champions.
"Some will even be performing in the Caribbean soon," he added.
The North Stars were founded in Huddersfield in 1975, making them one of the UK's longest-running steel bands.
The steel pan academy has been made possible with the cash support of Syngenta Huddersfield, the Arts Council, Kirklees Council and Voluntary Action Kirklees.
Unlike other music courses, the training is free.
But Mr Benjamin said commitment and reliability were expected.
"If you would rather spend your weekends shopping, don't bother to apply," he said.
"But if you like music, travel and meeting people this could be for you."
The classes will be held between 1.30pm and 4pm every Saturday at the orchestra's base in the Deighton Centre, Deighton Road, Deighton.
Phone Mr Benjamin on 07765 206851.
