Howarth Timber and Building Supplies is backing Local Music Live, a new initiative aimed at putting new talent on the radio.

Local Music Live brings together commercial and community stations – including Rock FM in Lancashire, the Lincs FM group and the newly-launched Fix Radio in London – to encourage and support local singers and bands.

Each Howarth Timber branch will choose the best singer/songwriter or band in their area and give them a platform to gain a greater audience for their music.

Howarth Timber’s Marketing and Product Development Manager, Neale Brewster, said: “We’re always keen to get involved and support our local communities, whether that’s through our charity activities or sponsoring local gigs so this is a great way to extend that support.”

Under the scheme, acts can submit their songs to localmusiclive.org for a chance to be played by local radio DJs. The chosen artist or band will be given the opportunity to record their music at Redwall Studios in Greater Manchester, and create a music video for one of their tracks.