STUDIOS aiming to help talented young performers blossom are to open next month.

The complex, on the Ever Ready Industrial Estate, Tanfield Lea, Stanley, will house Genius Entertainment, run by Adam Chetter. It will focus largely on producing credible pop acts.

Mr Chetter said: "The North-East is awash with quality talent, yet there are very few opportunities for new bands to take to the stage and gain vital experience. We give youngsters this opportunity."

The £11,000 development is part-funded by the Arts Council, plus cash from the regional development agency One North East and the European Regional Development Fund.

It will house two rehearsal rooms, a dance studio, cinema suite, workshops and a photographic studio.

Artists who use the facilities will also get the opportunity to take part in Genius Entertainment's live showcases and music events.

The complex will also play host to talentSTAR's ID Programme, a five-day summer school, aiming to give music performers and singers the chance to develop their skills and knowledge.

Performers on the course will get one-to-one tuition with music professionals, vocal coaches and music producers, and at the end will have recorded a demo and built their own mini-website.

Students will also work towards a live production in a North-East theatre.

For more details about the course, contact Mr Chetter on 08707 442258.