Families struggling to pay for their children to take part in music lessons will be able to apply for financial support.

The Rotary Club of Hexham has joined forces with the town’s Core Music to launch a new bursary scheme.

Rotarian Rob Hart said: “The objective of the scheme is to advance the musical education of young people who would benefit from musical tuition, but who suffer economic disadvantage.”

Mr Hart said that providing musical education opportunities would help to fulfil career and recreational objectives for youngsters, while in some cases, it would support emotional wellbeing, social development, and improve life chances.

A not-for-profit social enterprise, Core is also a popular destination for lessons, with an impressive network of music tutors supporting people of all ages across the district.

To receive support, young people must be aged 18 or under and considered to be in circumstances in which financial support is needed for them to receive music lessons.

If approved, the youngsters will be awarded funding for courses comprising six lessons, to be provided by one of the professional music tutors at Core Music.

Applications will go directly to Core Music, which is based on Gilesgate in Hexham.

If further tuition is recommended by the tutor, the scheme may provide support for a further course, but this is not guaranteed.

Mr Hart added: “The Rotary club is proud to announce the bursary scheme in conjunction with Core Music.

“Individuals may be referred for support by any of Core’s network of independent music tutors or by school teachers, social workers, youth leaders or general practitioners.”

The initial scheme will be rolled out over a five-year period, and will provide 10 or 11 courses of six lessons each year.

Rob added: “We are delighted to be able to give this support not only to a local organisation, but also to some of the underprivileged families in Hexham.”

Last year, Core Music founder Mike Coleman was honoured by Rotarians for his work.

He received the Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest award given by Rotary members, for those who have shown care and dedication by helping others in their local community.

The award came after Mike had told the club about the work that Core Music had done in Hexham and how it had grown from small beginnings in 2008 to its current status. For more information and contact details visit: coremusic.co.uk