ASPIRING rock stars are being given the chance to take to the stage with professional musicians in an ambitious musical project in Malvern.

First Bass has been organised by the Malvern section of Worcestershire Youth Service and will allow three youth bands to join creative workshops with professional bassists, vocalists, guitarists and drummers.

The sessions run from Friday, October 21, to Sunday, October 23, at the Highball Centre in Hanley Swan and will allow youngsters to develop skills both individually and as a band.

Each group will record one track before the participants work with other band members to record another song.

They will then perform at Malvern Youth Centre, in Albert Road North, on Saturday, October 29, as part of National Youth Work week.

Dena Falk, senior youth worker at Malvern Youth Centre, said that she hoped at least 10 bands would appl to take part.

She added: "It's fantastic that they will be able to live, breathe and eat music and to work with professional musicians.

"If youngsters are mad about music they should bite the bullet and apply."

The event - which was launched on BBC Hereford and Worcester last night - is free but those wishing to take part in it must be aged 13 to 19.

Anyone interested should email Dena at: dfalk@worcestershire.gov.uk or write to the centre at Albert Road North, Malvern, WR14 2YF, including their band name and addresses, emails and ages of members, as well as how long they have been together and what music they play.

It should also include their level of proficiency and whether they have recorded or gigged before.