BRIGHT young musicians from Widnes were specially selected to visit Sony Music in London.

The musicians, from The Studio in Widnes, were selected from applicants around the country to experience a day of industry talks.

Halton charity LOOSE has received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund (NCLF) to help keep their venue open for community benefit.

The charity was the brainchild of a group local musicians and creatives who held open meetings in the back room of The Kingsway.

A group of teens attended one of the meetings and said that they had nowhere to perform and rehearse.

That is how council music officer Roy Jones helped start the under 18s music group The Studio.

Studio project manager Louise Nulty said: "Because of the grant we are able to offer a wide variety of free or low cost creative activities and events for people of all ages - including rehearsals, recording, and performance opportunities for local musicians.

"That is why the Head of Youth Voice at the NLCF contacted us and asked us to put forward a young person who might benefit from the event at Sony they were organising.

"Both James and Charlotte were involved in activities at The Studio from being young teenagers.

"James is now a valuable member of staff, and Charlotte is in her final year at University studying Music Production - but still finds time to volunteer at The Studio."

Members from The Studio, Charlotte Hughes and James Swift had the experience of a lifetime by enjoying an all expenses paid trip to the Sony offices.

Charlotte said: "Being involved with The Studio has given me hands-on practical experience to add to my course studies.

"It was great to see the inside of a major label's offices and to see a little bit about how they work and function.

"There was a good variety of speakers giving insights into the music industry, and we were well looked after all day."

For more information about The Studio, visit https://www.facebook.com/studiowidnes/ or email info@thestudiowidnes.org.uk