AT a time when budget cuts are hitting music services across the country, Okehampton will be bucking the trend with the launch of the Okehampton Music Centre — and will be joined by world-famous cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber. The project, which starts officially in January, will offer children in the Okehampton Learning Community, from Year 3 upwards, the opportunity to take part in a scholarship scheme, which aims to remove the financial barriers associated with learning an instrument. Children will be able to attend group music lessons at Okehampton College after school, free of charge, learning a selection of instruments and singing. Partnerships have been formed to ensure that children and young people will receive high quality teaching and have access to excellent resources. The music centre came about after Okehampton United Charity invited local organisations to bid for funding for musical projects. Community Links, a community interest company, was selected to run the scheme. Heather Parks of Community Links said: 'This is an amazing project for Okehampton and a fantastic opportunity for children and young people in the area, funded largely by Okehampton United Charity who invited local organisations to bid for three years of funding for musical projects. 'We are working closely on the project with Okehampton College and Okehampton Learning Community, to ensure that as many young people benefit from the scholarships as possible.' The creation of the music centre is to be celebrated at a launch event on Tuesday, October 14 at the college's Octagon Theatre. Julian Lloyd-Webber, the internationally renowned cellist, will be attending the event. Mr Lloyd-Webber is also the chairman of Sistema England, a charity that seeks to transform the lives of children, young people and their communities through the power of music making. Also attending will be Angela Renshaw, musical director of Truro School and Cornwall County Choirs, who will give the audience a taste of the musical activities the project will offer. There will be a chance to try out the instruments, meet the teachers and ask questions. The evening will finish with the screening of the BBC film Ten Pieces, a nationwide project to promote music and the arts. The launch event has been made possible with funding from Okehampton United Charity, Okehampton Town Council, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and Okehampton College. Town mayor Cllr Paul Vachon said: 'It is a real coup for Okehampton to get Julian Lloyd-Webber down here for the launch, and the project is great for young people in the area. 'I like the fact it puts a focus on classical instruments as much as guitars and other more accessible instruments. 'Music is really important, and I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to get involved with the project.' Community Links is also looking to hear from people interested in helping with the project in any capacity. Those wishing to get involved need not necessarily have a background with music, as they can help out in other ways. Places for the launch event on October 14 are free, though booking of seats is needed. To book seats or register an interest in the Okehampton Music Centre, contact Heather Parks at [email protected]">[email protected] or by phone on 01837 650933.