LOCAL musicians are banding together for a benefit night in aid of Otley's new community and arts centre.

GMC Jazz, which grew out of training sessions held five years ago at Guiseley Music Centre, and the Menston based FM Band, are due to perform at Otley Civic Centre on Friday, March 7.

Billed the Spring Fling, all proceeds from the family concert will go to The Courthouse Project.

The project, which aims to transform the former magistrates Court building in Courthouse Street, has already raised more than half a million pounds, but needs to raise £60,000 more.

Due to start in May and be completed by February next year, the conversion will create a combined community and arts centre.

It will also house new, enlarged premises for the Otley and District Community Bureau - formerly Otley Citizens Advice Bureau.

Rachel Feldberg of The Courthouse Project said: "It's crunch time for the money needed for the building work before we start raising money for the equipment needed for the interior of the building. In one way it's a lot of money but compared to the un-climbable mountain of cash we had to raise at the beginning it doesn't seem quite so much. "

Ms Feldberg said project members were enormously grateful to all those who had given their time, support and donations.

"What we are offering now is the chance for people to become founding supporters. If anyone gives a donation to the project through Gift Aid, we are given 28p back for every pound given. All founding supporters will be listed in a specially designed book which will have pride of place in the Courthouse entrance.

Work is expected to begin in May and it is hoped the Courthouse will be open in February 2004.

So far a total of £553,000 has been raised through local fundraising, individual donations and grants from the lottery, Otley Town Council and Market Towns Initiative amongst others.

Forms for The Courthouse Project Gift Aid are available from Manor Books or can be downloaded from www.courthouseproject.org.uk

GMC Jazz was formed five years ago by music writer and arranger, Steve Marriott, who has written most of the band's repertoire.

Influenced by 40s swing in 'big band' style, the band also has Latin American overtones and occasional rock numbers.

The 12 piece band has saxophone as its focus, but is supported by key oard, brass, woodwind, bass, electric guitar and drums.

In the last year, the band has performed at many charity events, including the Otley Parish Church Beer Festival, and shared the bill with the Bingley Gilbert and Sullivan society at Bingley Arts Centre.

The FM Band has changed its lineup during its 15 year run, but now consists of four musicians - John Early on vocals, guitar and mandolin; Ann Jackson on vocals, guitar, appalachian dulcimer and tambourine; Martin Rix, on vocals and guitars, and Howard Woods on flute, harmonicas and percussion banana.

Based in Menston, the band has performed at many concerts, including the Otley Folk Festival, and plays on the first Sunday of every month at the Half Moon pub, Pool-in-Wharfedale.

Its repertoire includes everything from traditional folk through blues to pop and even rock, and songs written by band members Martin and John.

Spring Fling is due to take place at Otley Civic Centre on Friday, March 7 from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 (£2 concessions, free for under 16s), and are. available from Manor Books and Music. For more information about the Courthouse Project visit www.courthouseproject.org.uk.