THE launch of the first Rehearsal Rooms project in Wales has come as music to the ears of youngsters in Wrexham.

Punk legend Feargal Sharkey, chairman of the Government's Live Music Forum, and former frontman of the Undertones, opened the project in the Victoria Young People's Centre on Thursday last week.

The project aims to get local authorities to provide a rehearsal facility in otherwise unused buildings.

Andrew Davies AM, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, was also present to launch the event, as was Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.

Wrexham Council has provided the rehearsal space free of charge, and the facility comes with an on-site sound engineer and coach.

Project manger for the Welsh Music Foundation, Andy Williams explained: 'The space will not only have a rehearsal room, but will also have recording facilities, a small performance area and a café.'

So far, 24 bands have signed for the facility.

Speaking at the launch, Feargal Sharkey said: 'Good quality, properly-equipped studios are invaluable in getting a good sound early on.

'With so many properties lying empty in every council area, I believe at least one has the potential to be a rehearsal studio. It doesn't need a massive investment - just space and a small financial contribution.'

Andrew Davies AM, Minister for Economic Development said: 'These rehearsal rooms represent the beginnings of a music hub; not only providing a place for musicians to interact and exchange creative ideas, but generating considerable benefit for the local music scene.'

Joe Painter, 18, of the band Fuelled By Fortune is looking forward to having somewhere permanent to practice: 'When we first heard about the project we thought it was a really good idea.

'Before, we would practice wherever we could, at our houses, in garages and at one of the band's dad's dental surgery.

'The rehearsal rooms are in a good location in the centre of town, it will certainly be a lot easier for us to get together and practice.'

Ian Lucas MP said: 'Wrexham is the home of some fantastic artistic talent, and it is developing as a cultural centre.'