MUSIC is being used to bring two Teesside communities together.

Church organist and music teacher Chris Nixon is spearheading a four-year project, which it is hoped will have a lasting impact on the Coatham and Dormanstown neighbourhoods in Redcar.

Largely funded by the York Diocese of the Church of England, a variety of grant-aided organisations and the Redcar and Cleveland Community Chest, the scheme will help to pay for school choirs, a band, a samba dance group, music and drama groups.

The Reverend Bruce Harrison, vicar of the amalgamated parishes of Coatham and Dormanstown, said: "It's really about bringing two communities together, particularly from the children and families' point of view.

"We don't always get the opportunity to work with kids and families. This money is for arts, music and drama with linked workshops. It's not throwing charity down their throats, but to show that the church is part of their community, and to enhance it."

Mr Nixon said: "There are two strands to this: the first is raising the profile of the church in the community; and it is important this is done through education.

"The second strand is to develop the community and meet the needs of young people."