A new music service in Barnet has been awarded £150,000 by the Arts Council.

The money awarded to music service, Barnet Education Arts Trust, will be used to improve access to music tuition for all children in Barnet schools regardless of their ability to pay.

Chairman of Barnet Education Arts Trust Martin Baker said: "This is wonderful news.

“The trust has a range of exciting events planned for the next two years including a proms season of concerts, a concert at the Royal Albert Hall and the development of gifted and talented scholarships."

The music service was granted charitable status last year, meaning it could apply for funds from the Arts Council.

The money came after a successful bid made on behalf of all the music hubs, which are collections of youth music education groups, in Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Enfield, Haringey, Harrow and Hillingdon.

Only one other music hub in the UK was awarded this funding. 

Cabinet member for education, children and families Councillor Andrew Harper said: “Allowing the music service to convert to a charitable company has given it the opportunity to access fantastic funding opportunities like this.

“I’m delighted that through grant money like this our music service will be able give families with reduced household incomes the chance to participate in music lessons which they previously could not afford.”