A PROJECT encouraging young children to explore music has been launched by council officials.

City of York Council is unveiling its latest youth initiative at the Early Music Centre on Saturday, when a dozen music boxes will be distributed across the city's library network for loan to parents and carers.

York Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership has been able to provide the boxes thanks to a European Social Fund grant.

Children and their carers can explore and use the materials in Melody Monkey's Marvellous Music Box.

Each music box costs £5,000 and contains a selection of percussion instruments suitable for children under five, together with a collection of songs, musical stories, games and puppets.

Janis Towse, the council's special needs development worker, said: "As well as giving young children the chance to make music, the activities will help them develop a wide range of skills, including listening, co-ordination, social skills, language and number skills.

"I feel that here in York we have used this grant in a very inventive way - we have coupled a good resource with good training sessions."

For more information contact Janis Towse or Jo Armistead on (01904) 554625.