KAISER Chiefs lead singer Ricky Wilson, who grew up in Keighley and went to St Mary's School, Menston, has joined forces with some of the biggest names in the music world to back an appeal for a nationwide instrument amnesty.

Classical pianist James Rhodes is calling on the nation to donate unused instruments languishing in their homes to primary schools across the UK that need them. Schools taking part include Cullingworth Village Primary School and Reevy Hill Primary School.

Mr Wilson said: “The music department, the art department – it’s the first thing that goes. All these things aren’t deemed as important. But if you look at the UK as a whole it’s one of our greatest exports. Unless we keep that up in the schools then that tradition will die away, which would be a shame.

“An un-played instrument is a sad thing. So pass it on to someone who will play it. I think lots of musicians are guilty of hording these things, because we can. So pass it on.”

To donate an instrument, visit dontstopthemusic.co.uk before dropping them off at one of 700 local Oxfam shops up and down the county.