WORKSHOPS and other activities in Okehampton for aspiring young singers have been assured, thanks to a grant of £204 from Waitrose Community Matters.

The grant has been given to Okehampton Youth Chorus Support Group for its ongoing programme to enable young people to develop singing, music and performance skills with guidance from professional artists and singers.

The organisation's popular weekly singing sessions for 8 to 18 year olds have recently been re-launched as Roots Voicebox — it gives young people the chance to explore folk and roots songs from Devon, England, and from around the world.

It meets on Wednesdays from 3.45pm to 5.15pm, during term time, at the Parish Hall in Market Street, Okehampton, and welcomes new members throughout the year, whether they have sung before or not.

Young people do not need to read music to take part, there are no auditions, and it is not a competition. The aim is to develop excellent sounds with natural voices, and the young singers will have opportunities to perform at festivals and concerts, as well as writing some original songs.

Taking part is only £25 for the ten-week term, or £3.50 weekly, and is free for young people in the Don't Stop Me Now! scheme.

The Roots Voicebox sessions are led by Sarah Owen and Fran Lloyd from Devon's folk arts development organisation Wren Music. Sarah is a composer, singer and workshop leader with experience in a wide range of music making, including traditional music, combining voice with electronics, and making music for dance and theatre. Fran sings in the countywide teenage world music choir Roots A Capella, and is developing her skills as a trainee Community Musician.

Further information on Roots Voicebox and the Okehampton Youth Chorus Support Group is available from 01837 53754.