A YORK record label has launched a drive to find the best of the region's musical talent.

Recently-formed Jam Factory Records, a label administrated and financed by four York musicians, has plans to nurture fresh, young musical talent, in a bid to promote local music on the national circuit.

The team, which has a studio based in Eldon Street, The Groves, hopes to produce a compilation CD featuring several home-grown bands.

All four directors have a strong musical background, most recently performing with their own band, The Stanleys.

The group claims to have spent many years chasing big record deals, but now wants to plough some of their knowledge and experience back into the community to give fresh talent the chance to blossom.

Director Jim Hockney, 26, said: "We've all been in bands before and spent years chasing after big lucrative record deals, but now we're all a little bit older, a little bit wiser and we can see the bigger picture and just want to help other bands get some recognition."

Studio owner Chris Humphreys, 27, said: "We're always looking for the next generation of talent. There's a very good music community in York up and running, and there might be really good existing bands rehearsing in their living rooms at home. "We can offer them a one-stop-shop, a place to rehearse, and where we can offer support, directors, producers and artwork."

The nationally recognised Access to Music course runs from the studio, and many students from the course have been involved in producing and designing for the label.

Demo tapes, biographies and photographs should be sent to Jam Factory studio, 106 Eldon Street, The Groves, York, YO31 7NH. Bands interested in rehearsing at the studio should contact Chris on 01904 339879.

Updated: 09:52 Wednesday, June 04, 2003