AN arts group has won a £73,300 grant to pay for music sessions for young people.

Small World Cultural Arts Collective has received the money from the Foundation for Youth Music to cover its Music Speaks: Loud and Clear project for the next two years.

The long-established Small World, based in Russell Street, runs several projects in the Keighley area covering a variety of artistic fields including drama, filmmaking, music and visual arts.

Project director with Small World Claire Silvester said she was grateful that Youth Music was willing to support the project.

She added: "Many young people in Keighley are experiencing the negative effects of socio-economic difficulties within the town.

"These sessions give them the opportunity to take charge of their own achievements, express themselves creatively, engage with education and develop aspirations for the future.

"The impact we have observed during our prior music sessions has been truly awe-inspiring – not only in terms of music education but also academic attainment, confidence and positive self-image.

"To know that these benefits will continue to develop as a result of this grant award is the most wonderful feeling."

Music Speaks involves young people in Keighley aged between eight and 18, who work with industry professionals and highly qualified tutors.

They have access to a wide range of instruments and cutting-edge digital technology and can explore a wide range of musical genres, learn about radio broadcasting and studio recording, and have individual instrumental, vocal and technology tuition.

The young musicians have opportunities to play in a group, compose original pieces of music, produce CDs and give live performances.

In the latest round of grant allocations, Youth Music has invested £3.3 million nationally, bringing the total amount for the year across England to £10.2 million.

Youth Music aims to ensure that all children have access to music-making opportunities, regardless of background or circumstances.

These include children coping with disability and special educational needs, seriously ill young people in hospital, young people in care and those facing homelessness or exclusion.

Youth Music’s executive director Matt Griffiths said: "We focus on early years and young people in challenging circumstances because we want see every child being able to access music-making opportunities in their local area and these children are frequently overlooked."