SONGWRITER Derek Smith is aiming to hit the high notes with his Star Recording Studio. For this newly-opened business in Manning Street, St Helens is a dream come true for 43-year-old Derek, his wife Helen and their children Derek and Lisa who will all be involved in the studio.

Derek, who plays guitar, keyboard and drums, has been involved in the music business for 28 years, playing originally with local bands and moving on to become a session artist with record and TV. work to his credit. During this stage in his career he worked with such diverse acts as Peters and Lee and The Stranglers.

Derek explains: "I then took a break from the music business until three years ago when I started to write songs. I am pleased to say that, through Refit Music, one has been selected to be used in a film sound track and hopefully another two are about to be recorded -- I'm just waiting to hear about the recording artists.

"It was this success that eventually led me to realising my dream of a fully-equipped recording studio with sound-proof control and rehearsal suites, vocal booth and midi-suite for computer recording. "We want to offer our support to the talented musicians and singers of St Helens and we have already got some artists such as singers Wendy Howard, Darren Anders and Paul McKenzie associated with us."

And also joining Derek and his family in this venture is computer programmer Dave Corns and a team of session musicians and singers.

Derek who is a member of the British Guild of Composers, Guild of International Songwriters, Equity and MSCP, continued: "It has taken 10 months hard work to set up our studio but we feel it has all been worthwhile and looking to the future we are eventually hoping to have our own record label. Although we already have a lot of bookings we are always interested in hearing from talented musicians and we can be contacted on 01744 28141."