The region's young song-writing talent is set to be uncovered in a series of projects across Otley, Ilkley and Pool-in-Wharfe-dale.

The four new music-technology and song-writing projects, for young people aged 12 to 16, are being launched by the Otley Community Play Association at the end of March.

"Sound'scape 2002" (The Wharfe Valley Mix) will give budding producers and writers the chance to use computer music software, and produce their own compositions under professional guidance.

The fruits of their labour will then feature on a CD produced at the end of the project.

One of the professional musicians running the project, Richard Sabey of local community arts group The Big Hoo-Ha Co, says: "These projects are designed to give hands-on experience of both computer music - like multi-track software, sampling and keyboards - and acoustic composition, to create your own songs and music."

While some experience would be useful, it is not essential for the projects, which will take place at Weston Lane Youth Club and Cross Green Youth Centre in Otley; Pool Village Hall and Ilkley's Warehouse Youth Project.

There are up to eight places at each venue, which will each host up to 15 workshop sessions out of school hours.

"Sound'scape 2002" is being funded by the National Foundation for Youth Music under its 'Plug into Music' scheme.

The cost to participants will be just £4, including a copy of the CD.

As places are limited, it is recommended to book a place as soon as possible. For further information, contact Richard Sabey on (01943) 466782.