BIG-name musicians are shunning Manchester and London in favour of Blackburn to lay down their tracks.

Blackburn College which believes its media centre, now doubling as a professional recording studio, is helping put the town on "the musical map."

Today, a music mogul representing big artists on major record labels such as Warner And Universal Music said the excellent facilities and "great value for money" were behind the phenomenon.

For £500 a time the centre is now offering creative packages which include recording tracks, press shots and providing graphic design for album covers.

The recording studio is full of state-of-the art equipment including sound mixing desks, control room, photographic studio and recording booth and was opened in 1990.

And those behind it said it was giving the 50 plus students taking diplomas and Btec courses in music, media and media production, graphic design, and photography hands-on experience.

Media tutor, Jamie Holman said: "It all started as a favour last spring for ex-Smith members' (Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce) band Vinny Peculiar, to record some tracks and take some press shots for the band which was a great opportunity for the students.

"Then we started getting phone calls from management and record companies for newly signed bands to come over. That's when we created a complete package all done by the students. We have not advertised this at all the demand has been created purely from word of mouth."

Next month Blackburn College students will record million-selling US hip-hop artist Jason Mraz, who will play an acoustic set for Atlantic Records days after supporting the Rolling Stones in America.

Recent projects have also seen Belfast band Leya also record tracks at the centre.

Their session featured in a Channel 4 documentary Leya 4Play last Sunday.

Tom Roberts of Upshot PR said: "We represent several of the major record labels, as well as a number of independent record labels, and have been delighted to work with Jamie Holman and Blackburn College over the past six months, producing live recordings for bands such as Leya for visual and audio use.

"Labels such as Universal Music, Warner Music and Rubyworks have benefited from the service provided by Blackburn College, which is great value for money."

Principal, Ian Clinton said: "The work the students have produced is absolutely outstanding. Our students have real experience and will be a huge asset to the industry in which they wish to work."