YOUNG York musicians have received a major boost with the donation of a range of musical instruments.

York Rotary Club handed over a collection of instruments to local schools at the second of City of York Council's 'fame academy' open days.

The presentation, at Performing Arts Centre 1, Canon Lee School, was made during the open day event, being staged to show off the skills of youngsters who meet at arts centre sessions.

York Rotary Club has established links with the council's two performing arts centres over the last four years to support young people and promote their own music making.

Musical instruments can be expensive and the Rotary Club has been encouraging people to search out instruments hidden way in their attics and bring them out of retirement and pass them on to young players, via the club.

Adrian Radford, chair of York Rotary Club's community services committee, said: "If any one has got a xylophone or a violin or any other musical instrument they no longer need then we would be grateful if they could contact us and pass the equipment on. York Rotary Club will also ensure they are repaired if need be before passing them on to help the musical development of today's young people."

The collection of instruments, including a saxophone and two violins, was handed over by Robin Rich, York Rotary Club's president elect, to Jane Woolgar, acting head of the performing arts centres.

Updated: 09:33 Wednesday, November 13, 2002