A volunteer music project which aims to help pupils in deprived parts of Bradford aspire to become DJs and producers is set to branch out to more schools.

The Community Music scheme has offered 140 hours teaching and support to schools and community organisations through its Junior Jam sessions since it began in October last year.

Youngsters are given the chance to have a go at mixing music on professional decks and to create computer-generated music.

Funded by The Children's Fund charity with a start-up grant of £7,000, organiser and project manager Rachel Burrowes said she is now planning to expand its work across the district. And she said she was in talks with Education Bradford, the private company which runs the district's schools, about attracting more schools to take part.

"It's been extremely well received and the pupils have got a lot out of it," she said.

Primary schools involved were Bankfoot, Bowling Park in West Bowling, and St Oswald's in Little Horton.

Grange Technology College, in Great Horton, and community organisations Future Initiative and the YMCA in Bradford have also hosted workshops.

Miss Burrowes, a former DJ and business degree graduate who grew up in Clayton, said she set up the programme to help deter youngsters in deprived parts of the city from turning to crime.

"We want young people to experience something positive in the form of music production," she said. "We can help them see there are options out there for them and hopefully they will become enthused at a young age and have a goal to aim for."

Miss Burrowes, who was a DJ at The Old Monk club in Manchester, works with three volunteers - Ross Elliott, Danny Carroll and Aysha Harris.

The sessions they offer are in line with Key Stage Two and key stage three of the national curriculum and Miss Burrowes plans to train classroom assistants to be able to deliver the lessons.

"It's a great way of giving young people a new experience and helping them see they have hidden talents which we hope they will go on to nurture and develop," said Miss Burrowes.

For details about the group's work visit www.juniorjam.co.uk.