FORMER Led Zeppelin star Robert Plant has offered to promote Kidderminster College's record label on his national tour.

The singer recently became patron of the college's MAS Records label.

Plant joined Kevyn Gammond, his fellow band member from Priory of Brion, to encourage people to take part in the college's music industry management course, and to release work on MAS.

After a successful launch party at the college, Plant decided take copies of MAS' CD compilation on his current tour to introduce national audiences to Worcestershire's talent.

As well as local bands such as B Movie Heroes, Weak 13, King Rich and Kopna Kopna, Crux South and Cantaloop, the latest CD features Plant and Mr Gammond.

Plant, who became patron of the MAS label in June, has donated a song, Curse of the Evil Woman.

"This is a great opportunity to make the students' first release available to large audiences around the country," said Mr Gammond.

"The CD is also being made available in local outlets and in Kidderminster."

Plant played Birmingham Academy, the nearest venue to Worcester on his tour, on Tuesday, October 15.

On Wednesday, the record label staged an open evening at the college.

"The label is on the lookout for musicians, and any bands or artists who are interested in working with MAS Records with a view to being considered for the next MAS release," said a spokeswoman for Kidderminster College.

The college recently received funding from the Learning and Skills Council to develop MAS Records.

Promotion

The cash will help young people find employment in all aspects of the music industry, from management to promotion.

The music industry management students, who run the college label, will also be visiting colleges and high schools around Worcestershire, in November and December, to give presentations on the opportunities with MAS Records.

For further details on MAS Records or the CD release, contact Mr Gammond on 01562 732264.