A NEW music school aimed at helping the stars of the future is opening at the weekend.

The Northern School of Contemporary Music is the brainchild of well-known drummer Stuie Ellerton, frustrated by the lack of training facilities for music students in the North.

He is opening the school at The Forum music centre in Darlington, for dedicated students who want to take their music to a professional level. The centre was opened this year by Dave Cox in response to a lack of facilities for North-East musicians.

The school will include some of the country's finest tutors in instrumental, vocal and song-writing fields.

Mr Ellerton said: "The Forum is an ideal base where the school can grow from.

"It has excellent facilities with the rehearsal rooms, recording studios, plus live gig area and caf/bar.

"This facility will not only enable our students to study in a professional environment using quality equipment, but also have access to the recording studios and the live gig area where they can gain invaluable experience of live performance."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the school can attend The Forum in Borough Road, between 11am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday to find out more or telephone Mr Ellerton on 07973 736964.