Keighley DJ and dance promoter Sabir "Saby" Hussain aims to nurture local talent with his latest project.

He is teaming up with Lawkholme man Sajid Raj to run a training scheme for promising young DJs, producers, rappers and promoters.

Participants will get £100 a night while appearing at dance events across the country organised by Saby and his Goodfellaz Promotions.

Saby's first local signing, South Craven School student Double E, is expected to perform on June 25 during a tour by Black Eyed Peas musician Dante Santiago.

Former Greenhead School student Saby expects to receive a grant from the Scarman Trust in July to cover the costs of hiring venues and promoting events.

Saby stressed that the scheme would be open to talented young people whatever their colour, so long as they live in deprived areas.

He said: "The talent is there in Keighley but it's not come out. They are either too shy or they don't know where to go. They haven't had the chance to perform in clubs.

"We will help them get into business. They will get flyers and posters made, and they would organise their own concerts. They'll get regular work.

"I would sign them up if they have particular talent, and take them around the country on my shows. Whatever money we make we will invest back in the community."

Anyone interested in signing up to the scheme should telephone Saby on 07729 197325.

n The Ocean Colour Scene gig in Keighley on July 17 has sold out. Meanwhile the planned Guigfest on July 2, featuring The Nazerites and The Seers, has been postponed until November.

n Stars of the local folk circuit play a concert on June 27 at Braithwaite School.

Grace Notes, the nationally-renowned female harmony trio, are on the bill from 7.30pm.

Also appearing are Alan Rose, Laura Hockenhull, Kevin Loughran and the Sensible Shoe String Band.

Tickets cost £5 from Lynda Hardcastle on 01535 607723. Take your own drinks to the school.

n The Big Bang play their hard-edged Sixties covers tomorrow at the Keighley New Variety Club, Russell Street, Keighley, from about 9pm.

This Sunday sees performances by the Keighley band at Sutton Fun Day. Big Bang musician Stan Greenwood says work on a 20-track CD is now virtually complete.

n Whitney Gin mix harmony and good humour as they play the Bacco Pipes Folk Club next Friday, 8.30pm

n Keighley club band Sambuca performs at the Punch Bowl, Silsden (July 14); Copper Beech Club, Baildon (31); Cross Hills Working Men's Club (September 25); Silsden Golf Club (December 31). They will play an early evening charity concert on August 29 at a venue to be confirmed.

n Keighley's Random Hand and Breene are among ten school and college groups competing in a Battle of the Bands next week. The Keighley Festival contest features the two Keighley College bands alongside FAO from South Craven School, and Skipton, Bradford and Ilkley groups.

The Tweekers, Fingers Crossed, Random Hand, Cerberus and FAO perform on Monday, and Breene, Same Old Equal, Short Story, Filament and Mabus on Tuesday.

The final, also from 7.30-10pm at Victoria Hall, on Thursday. Admission to each gig is £4.

n Wet Paint launch their first CD on Saturday June 26 with a gig at the Parkside Social Club, Butt Lane, Haworth. Circus? supports the Keighley band at the 7.30pm bash. £6 for entry/CD, £4 for admission only.