PORTLAND Rocks again!

After a short break, the youth music organisation returns to a new venue, at a new time.

The group has helped engage youngsters on the island and is hoping that more will join up this year.

It is also appealing for people to donate equipment to help develop the musical skills of the young people of Portland.

From January 19, the weekly workshops will be held at IPACA, Royal Manor Campus in Weston Road on Portland, on Monday evenings during term time, from 4pm-6pm.

The sessions are open to young people aged 10-18, from the local and surrounding areas, who would love to learn songwriting skills, have band rehearsals and learn more about recording. They are run by dedicated music teachers with access to facilities such as a large music room, two practice rooms, a drum room and further performance and rehearsal space, with the use of up to two drum kits, and guitar and bass amps.

Steve Garden, music teacher, said: “Portland Rocks is back and better than ever, in our new venue and at a new time with access to great resources, more space and super fast broadband.

“We will continue to provide an exciting and unique experience for young people of Weymouth and Portland.

“We will focus on developing bands, solo and small group performers with a big emphasis on teaching them the writing, recording, performing and promotional skills needed in the 21st century.”

Just £3 per session, with the first one free to new members.

For more details or for any local businesses willing to donate or sponsor the organisation, call 07526 708100 visitportlandrocks.co.uk, follow @portland_rocks on Twitter, or email portlandrocks@live.co .uk