TWO enterprising students are bringing music to Derwentside with the help of Lottery funding.

Andy Coates, 22, and Andy Magee, 18, who are both in their second year of a National Diploma in Music Technology at Newcastle College, have won a bid for Lottery Awards for All funding.

Helped by Consett studio Northern Recording, they have been awarded £4,800 to organise a series of concerts in the Derwentside area.

The students, from Shotley Bridge, have formed Impact Promotions, which is aimed at giving better access to music in their community.

Andy Coates said: "Our aim is to bring talented Derwentside bands and venues together, giving local people access to good quality live entertainment."

He said they wanted to increase local interest in live music, hopefully creating a knock-on effect for bands who would not normally travel to the area to perform.

"Part of the funding means we can buy new sound engineering equipment to help get bands started, as well as organise the gigs."

Newcastle College music tutor Steve Reay said: "It's great to see students acting on their own initiative and getting so involved in projects they feel strongly about."

The students are hoping to organise at least one event in the district a month.

The first was the The Unknown, playing at the Cricketers in Blackhill at the weekend. There are also confirmed gigs for Ska-Mania at the Leadgate Cricket Club, on May 11, and Dr Sunshine at the Irish Democratic Society in Consett on July 12.