A COMMUNITY centre is rocking to the sounds of young bands as it takes on the role of rehearsal room following the closure of a well-known studio.

When Northern Recording, the co-operative-run studio at Delves Lane, near Consett, shut down, it left a big gap in facilities for aspiring musicians of all ages in Derwentside.

As well as offering the chance to record, the studio, which pioneered a project with schools, also had affordable rehearsal rooms.

A new group called Derwentside Music Venture has been set up and is using The Medomsley and District Community Centre, at The Dene, near Medomsley, for rehearsal space.

The group, some of them musicians, have permission to hire out two rooms at the Durham County Council-run centre, which is under-used.

The group is carrying out work to reduce the noise heard by nearby residents, but needs to raise about £12,000 to carry out full sound-proofing.

With the support of local county and district councillor Watts Stelling and the Derwentside District Council funding team, it hopes to apply for grants and is also raising money itself.

A gig at the Demi club in Consett last Friday, featuring five local bands, raised £500 and other gigs are planned.

Group secretary Leanne Anderson, of Medomsley, whose guitarist brother Terry came up with the idea and is chairman, said the project was launched in the wake of Northern Recording's demise.

She said it was important that there was somewhere both local and affordable where bands and musicians could rehearse.

She said there was a lot of interest, some of it from as far afield as Gateshead and Prudhoe, and from musicians of all ages and styles.

"We don't won't to disturb the neighbours. We are busy getting the windows blocked up and some padding put on the wall as a temporary measure.

"We have spoken to all the residents about it and asked if there is a problem. We have had problems, but we have dealt with them and they are happy for us to continue.

"We have had a quote of about £12,000 to carry out soundproofing of the premises and we are going to try and get funding.''

Miss Anderson added that the group might look to provide music lessons for youngsters later in the year.

Councillor Stelling said the project was filling a gap and also increasing use of an under-used facility.

"The Dene is out on a limb. I wish the group all the best. Once they got the soundproofing in, it will be a very good project.''