A performing arts and dance school is set to offer affordable music lessons.

Dansworks Dance Academy of Performing Arts CIC, based in Trinity Baptist Church, Bacup, will be teaming up with professional musicians Morris and Alexandra Stemp from the New Year.

The pair, who met while both playing violin with the Manchester-based Hallé Orchestra, will offer violin, woodwind, brass, piano, and guitar lessons.

These will be available both one-to-one and in groups.

Mrs Stemp said: "Learning an instrument has so many benefits.

"It helps with coordination, fine motor skills, listening skills, focus, and hopefully leads to playing in bigger ensembles where teamwork also comes into play.

"Music can lift us when we are feeling low and can help with self-esteem, the way we socially interact with others and improve our general mental health."

She added that the lessons would be cost-effective, with the option to hire an instrument if needed.

Mr Stemp said: "I was given the opportunity to play an instrument at a young age because of it not being too expensive; we want to give other children and adults in and around Bacup that same opportunity."

The initiative comes as Dansworks won the Workforce Development Award at the Rossendale Business Awards on November 30.

Dansworks business director Dale Connearn said: "It gives our students a broader experience and a route to enhance how music is at the core of how we all dance; how we all live.

"I am delighted to welcome Morris, Alexandra, and their team to the Dansworks family."

For more information, email dale@dansworks.co.uk or call 07795 165082.