YOUNG musicians aged from five to 25 are being invited to take part in a series of musical showcases.

The search has been organised by North Yorkshire County Council and is being co-ordinated by the Live and Loud initiative, which is run by the authority's continuing education unit through its Connecting Youth Culture project.

"It can be any kind of music, from spoon players to heavy metal, as long as it makes a sound," said project leader Richie Mitchell.

Showcase sessions will be held at Hambleton Forum, Northallerton on Friday, May 23, the Corner Caf, Scarborough on Friday, May 30 and at the Glusburn Institute, Skipton, on Saturday, June 21.

A grand final will be held at a youth arts festival in Tadcaster on Saturday, July 5.

Musicians will be judged by their peers with each band nominating a volunteer to sit on a selection panel to choose an overall winner.

The project aims to help musicians pursue their dreams of working in the industry and even offers recording opportunities - the council runs a record label called 6K Vision Records.

Anyone interested in taking part can contact Mr Mitchell on (01609) 780780, extension 3019.