AN innovative scheme to allow those who cannot afford to buy musical instruments the chance to do so through interest-free loans has proved to be music to the ears of the people of Ripon.

Ripon City Music, in Kirkgate, is taking part in the Arts Council England's new Take It Away scheme.

The shop is one of just five in the county which has signed up to the deal.

The scheme works by offering loans of up to £2,000 via retail outlets to would-be musicians.

The project offers the interest-free loans to people on low incomes who are aged 18 or above.

This allows people to buy musical instruments and musical equipment and then repay the loan.

An initial deposit is paid and the remainder of the loan is paid back over nine months.

The Ripon store already has a bulging order book.

Stefan Meadley, Ripon City Music manager, said: "When we launched the scheme at the beginning of the year, we were worried that take-up would be slow. That hasn't been the case, and we have been thrilled by the reaction.

"Word has spread and over the past few weeks. Our instruments have been flying out of the store.

"It is an unusual initiative, but we think it has proved particularly popular because Ripon is such a musical city.

"In other areas, people have to be coaxed and cajoled into learning instruments. Here, we are surrounded by an extremely popular and vibrant live music scene and people are only too happy to have an excuse to play."

The shop hopes to expand the scheme into local schools.

Ivor Davies, director of performing arts at Arts Council England, Yorkshire, was pleased with the interest in the scheme.

He said: "We are delighted at the take-up of interest-free loans provided by our Take it Away scheme.

"Learning an instrument is a great way to build skills and friendships, and the scheme is already helping a wide range of people."

More information about the scheme can be found by visiting www.artscouncil.org.uk.