A MUSIC company in Derwentside has received a boost as it prepares for the release of its debut single.

Genius Entertainment, in Stanley, has agreed a deal with New York company The Orchard, a leading distributor of independent music.

The deal will see the single, More Than The Need, released as an official download on websites such as iTunes and Napster.

The single will feature all 27 acts from the talentSTAR School Tour, which Genius Entertainment launched in October.

All proceeds from the release will go to Just For Kids, which supports disadvantaged children in the North-East.

Genius Entertainment hopes the single will not only reach the top 40, but also raise money for a local children's charity.

Manager Adam Chetter said: "It is really exciting as we embark on our first release. We are hoping that at least 2,500 singles will be sold in the first week in order for it to reach the top 40 singles chart.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for North-East performers to be given this opportunity to release a single."

As well as the download, the single will be released in stores on June 27.

Recording will take place in the next few weeks.