LYME Regis’ record-breaking bid Guitars On The Beach has won the support of the Prime Minister – with David Cameron giving the thumbs-up to the venture for encouraging young people to learn to play music.

GOTB organisers have received a letter from 10 Downing Street praising the event which last year drew more than 2,000 guitarists to perform on Lyme’s Front Beach.

Mr Cameron wrote: ‘It is wonderful that so many people attended last year’s event, and I hope that you will succeed in breaking the record this year.

“Occasions of this sort bring people together from many parts of the country to share their love of music, and help to encourage as many young people as possible to pick up an instrument and feel a sense of achievement.

“Please pass on our very best wishes to everyone involved in what we hope is a record-breaking event.”

Last September 2,200 guitarists of all ages and abilities played Buddy Holly’s ‘Rave On’, led by Lyme’s Billy Geraghty, pictured below, and a house band of Lyme musicians.

The event set a UK record and organisers claimed the title as Britain’s Biggest Band.

This year, on Saturday September 6, Guitars On The Beach will have another attempt at the Guinness world record, currently held by Poland, who gathered 6,000 guitarists together in 2009.

Already more than 3,000 guitarists have signed up to play this year’s song, Status Quo’s ‘Rocking All Over The World’.

A GOTB spokesman said: “Guitars On The Beach is an extension of the Government’s National Music Plan, which aims to encourage children to learn a musical instrument.

“So we are delighted that the Prime Minister has seen this connection and has given our event his backing.

“We have already beaten the US and German attempts on the world record and now we’re going after the Poles’ hold on it.

“We may not beat the Polish record this year, but we will one year and Guitars On The Beach will keep going until Lyme manages to win the record for Britain.

• To join Guitars On The Beach sign up at guitarsonthebeach.co.uk.