MUSICAL Vale youths will have a chance to shine in the New Year thanks to a new project.

The Up4it project, which has been launched by Worcestershire County Council's youth service, is looking for singers, musicians and DJs who are over 14 to work with musical directors in a portable recording studio which will be touring Vale youth clubs in January and February.

The professional 64-track recording studio will feature all the latest hi-tech gadgetry, such as an Apple Mac G4 with Pro Tools Mix Plus, analogue and digital mixing desks, samplers and keyboards.

It is hoped that the youngsters' tracks will be put on a compilation CD and some of the budding stars will even get the chance to play in a live performance, which is scheduled for May or June.

The initiative comes thanks to a £21,500 windfall from the National Foundation for Youth Music.

Steve Boffy, the county arts officer for Worcestershire County Council, said: "There's no other opportunity for young people in the county to compare with Up4it.

"This is a year-long programme that will work and play with young musicians, vocalists and DJs, to develop their talents, give them the resources they need to turn dreams into CDs and to perform at a professionally-organised and promoted live event."

For more information on Up4it, when the studio will be in the Vale and how to get involved, contact Dena Falk at the county youth service on 01684 575363.