A MUSIC project that enables Portland youngsters to find their groove and develop skills in song writing and performance skills is back with a vengeance.

After a break and shake-up over the summer, Port-land Rocks has returned bigger and better.

Now a Community Interest Company (CIC), the island initiative can offer youngsters aged eight to 18 the chance to rock, instead of just those 11 years and older.

Martyn Mullender, director of Portland Rocks CIC, said: “Originally set up as Youth Music project in 2009 working with young people aged 11 to 18 we soon realised that there was a need to develop community music across the age range on Portland.

“The Portland Rocks CIC, is a not for profit company, run by a team consisting of local musicians and teachers Martyn Mullender, Tom Hopkins, James Kimber and Steve Garden and the new status allows us to respond to local need in a much more flexible way and over the coming months we will be developing exiting new strands.

“We are grateful to the Co-op Community fund for financial support in setting up the new organisation.”

Those who attend the Portland Rocks sessions will also have the opportunity to gain accreditation through the arts award.

Mr Mullender added: “As a community interest company we will involve our members in the running of the organisation with the opportunity to study for the new level two Social Enterprise Qualification.

“We will also be looking for volunteers to help us in our work.”

The new developments include an exciting partnership with Dorset Music Service – the lead organisation in the Dorset Music Education Hub – to deliver weekly workshops in song writing, stage craft, band and solo performance skills and Samba junk music. Taster sessions of the workshops will be run in Portland schools.

Find out more at www. portlandrocks.co.uk/ Follow @portland_rocks on Twitter, Portland Rocks CIC on Facebook or email portlandrocks@live.co.uk