ANDY Halsey is going mobile and taking the Westmorland Music Council on the road.

The WMC's music organiser is gearing up to travel across the region in a specially-adapted bus, which eventually Andy hopes will be converted upstairs into a multi-media workspace with computers equipped with music and arts programmes, and recording equipment.

For now though, downstairs the double-decker doubles as a workshop rehearsal space, with the side of the bus opening up to allow performers to play to an outside audience.

It also houses a self-build detachable stage.

Tuning in to the needs of schools, youth groups and bands, the wheels move to the music from May 27 on a two-week pilot, until June 10.

Guitarist, piano player and composer himself, Andy tells me it's an exciting project aimed at bringing a wide range of music workshops to the area of old Westmorland, allowing music and arts workshops to take place in small villages scattered around the area as well as providing jobs for animateurs (professional musicians/educators) and fund-raising and performance opportunities for the community at large.

"The potential for outreach work is possibly the most important function of the bus," informs Andy.

"It has the ability to visit youth and community groups in small villages and provide a regular and exciting music resource for all, with a youth focus, providing holiday and after school workshops.

"Ruling out issues of venue hire, availability, transport, and providing regular access to music education is much needed in the area."

The bus has been used in the past as a gallery in the Highlands of Scotland.

At the moment it is being prepared for its new role as a roving ambassador for the council, eventually (hopefully sometime after the pilot period) kitted out with a public address system with a potential for a dark room and art gallery: "Who knows, we might even end up with bands making their own promotional videos on board.

" We have plenty of plans but more ideas are always welcome."

Under the WMC's new Music Links project, part of its aim is to open up fresh musical directions and broaden the horizons of the predominately classically-led council, to include music such as jazz and folk.

Anyone interested in booking the bus should contact Andy on 01539-735083.