YOUNG people in Halliwell are being given the chance to become the next Pop Idols with the opening of two state-of-the-art recording studios.

The new centre has been kitted out with recording studios, a dance and drama studio and a multimedia media suite. Budding pop stars are able to record tracks, produce CDs and videos in the studio in Wordsworth Trading Estate, Wordsworth Street.

The Harmony Project, which promotes arts-based interest in the town, has gone from strength to strength since it moved into its new home in November. More than 1,000 young people aged 11 to 21 have benefited from since the Harmony Project began in May 2001.

They have taken part in activities as wide ranging as DJ and vocal tuition, and dance and drama classes. Two junior football teams have also been set up.

Charlie Barrett, the youth worker behind the project, said that creative young people will be able to live out their dreams at the new centre.

He said: "There is an unbelievable amount of creative talent around with young people in Bolton.

"Kids will now have the opportunity to come in and record music in the studio and produce radio-quality material.

"We have one teenage girl who has just been finishing off recording her CD, and we have high hopes for her. It's all about confidence building with the kids and offering them something different. We will be looking to sign young people in Bolton with the intention to record-quality tracks in the recording studios."

Harmony began life at a temporary centre in the Hibbert Street area before it moved to current headquarters.

The project has just benefited from a £71,000 cash boost from Children in Need, and two donated football strips from Barclaycard, the sponsor the Premiership.

Harmony is open to young people every Tuesday night and it will soon be open on Saturday mornings.

Admission is free but young people have to pay a £2 annual membership fee.

For details about the project, contact Mr Barrett on 07989 476994, or go visit the website at www.chypshop.org.uk