RESIDENTS in Hartlepool will be blowing their own trumpets thanks to a cash grant.

Manor Residents' Association, which gives help and advice to people living in the Owton Manor area of the town, has scooped £2,500 to buy musical instruments.

The association will use them to run classes to help people learn to play musical instruments and broaden their appreciation of music.

It was awarded the money after applying for a grant from the Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget Partnership's Community Chest.

Kevin Vasey, chairman of the association, said yesterday: "This is tremendous news.

"The grant means we can now help local people to enrich their lives by becoming directly involved in creating music - an opportunity which they did not have before."

The association has drawn up plans for courses including keyboard skills, guitar playing, and exploring the world of synthesisers.

It aims to deliver the courses in conjunction with the Workers' Educational Association and other local organisations.

The Owton Rossmere Partnership's Community Chest is used to support small community initiatives to help improve the quality of life for residents in the Owton Rossmere Partnership area.

It can also be used to help individuals living in the area to pursue personal achievements.

The Community Chest is funded by the Owton Rossmere Partnership and is administered by Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency.

Anyone wanting more information on the criteria for applying for a Community Chest grant should contact Peter Gowland on (01429) 262641.