A group of young musicians have praised their teacher for giving them the chance to learn, practice and record for free.

Chris Saunders has been running Sound Academy at Braintree Foyer in St. Michaels Road for two years, which has so far helped about 150 youngsters.

Mr Saunders, 34, won a Mi Community grant from Braintree Council in 2012 to set up a studio, which 16-25 year-old residents and the general public can use.

Any young artist can book out half an hour slots for free lessons with Mr Saunders or for a space to hone their skills away from home.

Mr Saunders said: "I’m as proud of these kids as they are of me.

"I’ve been in bands since I was 15 and I think I would have loved something like this when I was younger."

For the full story, see this week's Braintree and Witham Times.