THE sweet sound of success was in the air at the official launch of The Met’s new Edwin Street recording studio in Bury.

Musicians Craig Potter, from Elbow, and folk duo John Spiers and Jon Boden attended the event, as did a host of local business and young people who were involved in the creation of the studio.

The ambitious project, which has been three years in the making, will provide a professional resource both for supporting grassroots development of music among the young people of Bury, and to attract big name bands to the town to record.

David Agnew, director of The Met, said: “What is unique is the opportunity it offers to young people and gives tangible support to them, creating a new generation of talented young people remaining in Bury and developing successful careers in the arts.

“The studio has been created working closely with Youth Services and will enable young people of Bury access to some of the finest equipment and training in the region. The studio is a testament to Bury Council and The Met’s investment in the community.

“The Met is committed to making the most of this fantastic resource, both professionally to the credit of Bury and for the young people in our community.”

The recording studio was also supported by The Rock shopping and leisure destination, the Big Give and Manchester’s School of Sound Recording (SSR). The Big Give scheme raised £9,000 from Met customers in December to buy equipment for the studio and SSR has been part of the consultancy process from the beginning.

The studio is to open for business at the start of next month.

For more information, to book a tour or to hire the studio, call The Met on 0161 7617107 or visit themet.biz/backstage.