CHILDREN in East Lancashire will still receive specialist music education after funding was secured to save it.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s music and performing arts service was under threat and 25 jobs were at risk when bosses were unsure whether funding would continue.

Although staff were placed on redundancy notices, the Arts Council has announced that the borough will become one of 13 music hubs in the North West.

The county council will also become a hub.

A music education hub, similar to the Blackburn with Darwen Council’s music and performing arts service, ensures children aged five to 18 have the chance to sing, learn an instrument and play with other youngsters in an ensemble or choir.

Staff at the hubs go into schools and specialist workshops.

Musical artists are also arranged through the initiative.

Lisa Bibby, Blackburn with Darwen’s director for schools and learning, said: “We are really pleased that the council has been successful in its application to become a music hub.

“From September 2012 we will be part of a network of 122 music education hubs nationally that will play a key role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience a quality music education.

“Staff were put at risk as a precautionary measure but we are now pleased to be able to say that the majority of staff will no longer remain at risk of redundancy. Other opportunities will be sought for rest of the staff.

"The next steps are to enter into a consultation about creating a new fit-for-purpose structure for the Blackburn with Darwen Music Education Hub.”

Jane Beardsworth, North West regional director, Arts Council England, said: “Through our new relationship with the music education hubs, opportunities for all young people to benefit from high quality musical experiences and opportunities will be significantly improved, regardless of where they live.”

County Coun Susie Charles, cabinet member for children and schools, welcomed the news, adding: “We have established a music education hub in Lancashire, led by the county council's music service and its partners.

"We will now look at how we can work together with schools and the wider community to use this much-needed funding to take our plans forward.”