If you've got a musical instrument ferreted away which you've not played for years, then now's the time to dust it off and put it to good use. A new music initiative under way in Torbay is looking to get young people rocking. The Overdrive Project is a free community scheme which aims to provide musical instruments and equipment to young people so that they can form bands, play gigs and record their own songs. The project is for people under 25 and it's starting up in some of the most deprived areas of Torbay. Project leader, Mark Wilkins, explained the aims of the project: "We are going to use rock music to attract young people to explore their talent, whether they are singers, drummers, guitarists, or want to get into the production side. "This will get them out of practicing in their bedrooms, off the streets and gigging within three months." Mark said the project is looking to make music accessible to everyone, cross boundaries and "create the soundtrack to people's lives." Mark, who worked in the City of London for 23 years, moved to Devon for a better quality of life and plays in a local band: "I spent a long time doing something I wasn't passionate about. "Music has been my passion. It's a haven; it can uplift you. "The idea about this is to help people less fortunate than myself. We've put everything together now and we are ready to rock and roll!" Currently, Mark is helped by volunteers and Torbay Council has lent some equipment. He has applied for Arts Council and Lottery funding and wants a permanent base for the project. At the moment, it's a mobile operation. The musical instrument amnesty is an opportunity for everyone to get involved by donating old kit to the project. For more information on how to donate, or how to get involved musically, contact Mark Wilkins on 01803 555481, or by email at: overdriveproject@btinternet.com | 
