A Hucknall community music organisation has received a much needed financial boost thanks to a donation from a local Councillor.

The Torkard Academy which is based at Hucknall Central Methodist Church on Baker Street received a donation of £350 towards their popular Torkard Ensemble.

The money, donated by Hucknall South County Councillor Lee Waters from Nottinghamshire County Council's Divisional Fund will go towards buying new instruments and funding music lessons for young people in Hucknall.

The award-winning Torkard Ensemble was formed in 2010. Its ethos is ensuring that live music is accessible to everyone. They provide opportunities for local groups and charities to hold fundraising events using music, as well as providing a musical background to events and gatherings across the Hucknall community.

Councillor Waters presented students from the ensemble with the cheque.

He said: "The Torkard Academy do an outstanding job for young people in Hucknall. I was pleased to visit them and hear all about the excellent work they do. This is just one of the community organisations I am supporting this year and I couldn't be more pleased. At a time when the cost of music tuition is going through the roof – here is an organisation who do a brilliant job ensuring young people from all backgrounds have access to music."

Mat Davis from the Torkard Academy said: "Lockdown has had a detrimental impact on our organisation but we are coming out of it bigger and stronger. We'd like to thank Councillor Waters for this kind donation which will go towards buying instruments. We look forward to performing at a community event near you. Anyone is free to join us as we make music for the masses in Hucknall."

For more information about the Torkard Ensemble, or to enquire about joining, please click here.