A NEW venue will put Darlington’s live music scene firmly back on the map and attract bands from far and wide, say owners.

The Green Room’s launch heralds a new era for music fans in the town, according to the team behind Duke Street’s latest attraction.

The former Sass bar has been transformed to incorporate a live music venue, bar and dedicated student hang-out – complete with acoustic guitars, food and giant Jenga.

The venue's live programme already has upcoming appearances from Shed Seven’s Rick Witter and Neville Staple from The Specials.

The team behind the venture includes owner Darrel Johnson and promoter Neil Hanlon, music fans committed to bringing some of the best live acts to Darlington, while supporting the town’s budding musicians.

Mr Johnson, 37, set up the venue after years of working in the music industry and hopes to use the lessons learned to make a success of The Green Room.

He says the venue is something different for the town and, with its large capacity and varied programme.

He said: “Darlington has other music venues but I want to offer something bigger and closer to the town centre.

“It’s amazing to have my own pub – there’s been plenty of scrimping and saving but we’ve done it all ourselves.

“I’ve always enjoyed giving people a good time and I’ve picked up good ideas and bad, learned things the hard way – now’s the time to put that to good use.

“People should expect something a little bit different, a whole host of different nights at fair prices.”

Promoter and DJ Neil Hanlon is in charge of picking the bands for The Green Room’s stage.

He will focus on bringing quality acts to the town and promoting home grown talent, promising support slots at every gig to local bands.

He said: “I’m a massive live music fan, but find myself travelling out of the area for gigs because there’s been nothing of this capacity in Darlington.

“We can go after bigger bands and can give local support bands more exposure.”

He added: “With the new tourist attractions like the cinema coming, the profile of Darlington will rise and we’d love to be part of that.”

For more information or tickets, visit facebook.com/thegreenroomdarlo