Calling all budding musicians. Mamas and Papas of young drummers and guitarists in the York area are invited to phone 01904 551591 for a free information pack to help their offspring get the most from their instruments, without upsetting the neighbours.

City of York Council's Environmental Protection Unit is hoping to address the numerous complaints received each year, relating to youngsters practising music School's out tomorrow (well, it's half-term soon) and we know all you wanna do is have some fun.

Here are a few simple steps to ensure happy neighbours.

Have regular practice times and let your neighbours know when it is

If you don't have a sound proof practice room, 30 to 45 minutes is a long enough session and certainly no later than 8pm

Muffle drums or use mesh practice pads

Keep doors and windows closed.

Keep the sound from your amplifiers turned down.

Look for purpose-built music practice rooms

Have fun, but be considerate.

If the Environmental Protection Unit receives complaints about noise nuisance, enforcement action could be taken against the parents, and hefty fines can be imposed by magistrates in extreme cases. For further information, phone City of York Council Environmental Protection Unit on 01904 551591, call at 9 St Leonard's Place, York, or email environmental.protection@york.gov.uk

Updated: 09:10 Thursday, October 07, 2004