A music group has received financial backing as they look to transform a heritage site in Barrow into a new centre.

It was revealed last week that the North West Music Academy (NWMA), which is based in the Ramsden Square building, were granted a bursary worth up to £1000 by Jazz North.

This made the academy one of seven groups to be supported by the regional organisation through its scheme 'New Northern'.

The aim of the bursaries is to support fees and costs for northern emerging artists and support acts, further improving the music scene in the north of England.

A spokesperson from NWMA said: "We're absolutely thrilled to be working with Jazz North to present emerging Northern jazz artists at our fabulous venue. 

"We are one of just seven organisations to receive the bursary and we intend to use it well."

The academy shared that part of the backing would go towards a new micro-festival, which is hoped to take place next year.

This is intended to grow into an annual event in Barrow, creating a regular platform for jazz in the local area to inspire more people than ever to show their creative sides.

Based in the four-storey Ramsden Square Building, the academy is looking to create a dedicated centre for music education and performance, which will go hand-in-hand with the new festival.

NWMA moved into the historic building in February last year, using it to host workshops, short courses and year-round lessons.

Chris Bye, Jazz North CEO, commented: "We're thrilled to support the work of promoters across the North of England who are working to keep grassroots music alive and support that all important pipeline of talent in the North.”

NWMA was joined by The Continental in Preston), YardFest in Bradford, Anna Ross of Offshoots in Leeds, Scarborough Jazz, DJ Lubi in Leeds, and Wesley Stephenson’s New Jazz and Improvised Music Recordings in Newcastle to receive the bursary.