A FORMER Bradford student has teamed up with international pop superstar Ed Sheeran to produce a range of affordable guitars which aim to get more young people into music.

Will Baugh, a former student at Bradford Grammar School, works as a product designer at Northern Irish guitar firm Lowden Guitars.

The County Down based business has joined up with 30 times platinum popstar Ed Sheeran to produce a line of affordable acoustic guitars in a bid to inspire more young people to get involved in music.

The collaboration came about due to the friendship of Sheeran and Lowden Guitars’ boss George Lowden.

Will Baugh said: “George Lowden has been friends with Ed Sheeran for a number of years after designing and making a small unique guitar for Ed called ‘The Wee Lowden’.

“The aim of the collaboration is to get really great, affordable guitars into the hands of aspiring, young (and old) musicians.

“With that in mind, we had to start from the ground up, re-designing a new workshop along with all the tooling and fixtures to enable us to make this new range of guitars.”

Mr Baugh started working at Lowden Guitars two years ago as a part-maker, processing timbers from around the world to make all the small components which are used to produce the company’s iconic instruments.

He added: “During this time, I also worked on some limited-edition guitars in a project with Bushmills whisky, inlaying the actual copper from the whisky stills as artwork on the guitars.

“This latest project, ’Sheeran by Lowden’ has been our biggest challenge yet but in many ways has been the most rewarding.

“During my design career, I’ve been lucky enough to exhibit at trade shows in New York, where my work was recognised by the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim.

“I’m very proud that they now stock some of my product range. However, more recently it has been a real achievement to hear the first Ed Sheeran guitars have been produced using this new production line.

“As a child, I was always fascinated by the things my Grandpa would make in the garage at home, and wherever possible, I would try and help.

“This enthusiasm grew through my years at Bradford Grammar, and with the support of some great teachers and lecturers at Northumbria University, I was inspired to pursue my career as a product and furniture designer.

“The skill set and experiences I gained throughout my time at Bradford Grammar have proved invaluable to my career.

“The amazing DT facilities, and the opportunities that I was given, really allowed me to pursue my goals with incredible support from the staff.

“I believe the most valuable things I learnt were drive and discipline. These values have kept me focused and given me direction throughout my design career.”

Stuart Taylor, head of DT at Bradford Grammar, added: “Our students have good, really interesting careers ahead of them, just like Will, where they can make a real difference.

“They can end up travelling and working abroad on fantastic projects and with innovative companies. Design technology gives them a flavour of that.”

The guitars are available at a number of stores across the UK and worldwide.