A STATE-OF-THE-ART recording studio and rehearsal facility has opened at Bedford High School.

The driving force behind this project was Cllr Johnny Lea who said: "It is one of a number of projects I have worked on this year as part of my 'Special Interest' remit and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to have been able to secure funding to bring this project to fruition.

"The facility will be available not only to pupils of Bedford High and Leigh area schools, but to young people in the wider community who have an interest in music, whether it is playing an instrument, singing, composing or whatever we can help to fulfil their ambition as a hobby or even as a career."

Head of the Music faculty, Pat Calcutt, said: "I am delighted with this new addition. It will give the pupils a further dimension to their studies."

Andy Prior, the acclaimed bandleader and an ex-pupil who was at the launch said: "I wish every success to the school and any help or advice I can give I will who knows what talent this opening may produce?".

This addition to Bedford High School further enhances the popular 'Bedford Village' Social Inclusion concept which sees a high level of evening usage of school facilities for a variety of pursuits and fits in well with the Business and Enterprise College status recently awarded to the school.

Anyone wishing to use the music centre service should contact Mrs N Ferguson at Positive-Futures on 01942 705756.