A NEW free music event is to launch this weekend at the White Hart in Bridestowe.

Musician John Kerry is launching open mic nights at the pub to encourage local talent of any age, gender or style to take to the microphone and entertain patrons in the pub's Widgery Bar.

'We are hoping to promote all forms of performance, be it music, poetry, comedy or storytelling,' said John, who has set up a website to explain the format in detail. A link to the site can be found on the pub's website.

'I have also arranged for a half hour guest performance on each night, but I really want local talent from around the area to step up.'

For the first event on January 18, Three Parts Gone will be the special guests. The open mic nights will then run on the fourth Sunday of each month, with Mike House from Tavistock in the February line up and Jess McAllister from Exeter as March's special guest.

The evening will be free for customers, with a jug passed around for donations to provide drinks for performers.

For more information visit sites.google.com/site/whitehartopen