Volunteers at the Old Low Light Heritage Centre on North Shields Fish Quay want to speak to local people who might have stories about music over the years.

The volunteers are planning an exhibition in the summer which tells the story of 1,000 years of local music, starting with monks chanting at Tynemouth Priory to modern day star Sam Fender.

Local historian Mike Coates who is leading the research for the exhibition said: “We are looking at all aspects of music over the years and our research is wide ranging, going back as far as chanting by monks at the Priory to sea shanties and other songs, some of which were about the poor working conditions of the time or the coastal area, music halls, jazz and brass bands, choirs, music shows in local pubs, right up to the present day with the songs of the latest pop star from our area, Sam Fender.”

Mike is hoping that local people with stories to tell, particularly about workplace bands or choirs, will share them with himself and others who are working on the exhibition.

He added: “North Shields has so much musical heritage and already we have a lot of information but we are very keen to hear from local people who have been involved in musical activities in and around the town over the years, particularly in the workplace.

Anyone with stories to share is asked to call into the Old Low Light – Monday is a good day when volunteers meet there – or to send information to info@oldlowlight.co.uk