Market Lavington musician Greg Barrett has set up a business that will be the answer to the prayers of every parent whose child has asked for a drum kit for Christmas.

Mr Barrett, who will be 60 on Christmas Day, last week opened Big G Studios – at Unit 6b on the Southcliffe Business Park in Market Lavington – as a low-cost recording studio and rehearsal space for young bands and, indeed, for older musicians who want to relaunch themselves.

The professional drummer, who used to travel the world playing for various bands including US stars Redwing, is registered disabled because of osteoarthritis of the spine but longed to be able to return to music in some form.

He said: “I heard this place was becoming available so I put my name down for it and I was delighted to hear I’d got it.”

He enlisted the help of friends to get the unit into shape. His neighbour, Brian Jackson, designed the interior and friends rallied round to make the designs a reality.

Now the premises are rigged out for recording and playing, and local bands are already taking advantage of it for rehearsals.

But Mr Barrett has bigger plans and this Saturday he will be holding an open drum workshop for anyone who is interested in learning the instrument.

He said: “So often parents are asked by their kids to buy them drums or guitars. Now, before they start shelling out all sorts of money they can come in and try the instruments to see if it’s what they really want.”

Once the youngsters have made up their mind that music is for them, Mr Barrett can use his contacts to get hold of low-cost instruments and accessories if they want to take it further.

He said: “I want this to be a real community asset. I want to start a drum school here and I will be charging £6 an hour, as opposed to £36 and more an hour that others might charge.

“I also want this to be a venue for other art forms, like choirs or drama groups. I started this so I could get back into work but I want it to be a place for other people to realise their dreams.

“I just want to help as much as I can as well as getting myself back to work.”

For more details, email email@biggstudios.plus.com or call 07824 661022.