CAN YOU find a home for Gwent's very own School of Rock? Dragon Bands has been offering rockers in Torfaen the opportunity to learn the tricks of their trade since December 2001, but the non-profit organisation desperately needs a home.

There are currently ten bands in the project, which provides vocal training, drum and guitar tutors, drug awareness workshops and help designing websites, recording tracks and getting gigs.

But after being let down twice in recent months, Dragon Bands desperately need somewhere to stay so they can help their bands.

Project manager Angela Byrne, 57, said: "In the beginning we had quite a few bands on board but because we didn't have a premises a lot of volunteers and bands have gone.

"The bands are all heavy metal, punk or alternative rock and the majority are from Torfaen, though there's one from Cardiff and one from Newport.

"We have had two offers of help; the first was a few months ago from a place in Blaenavon but I think nearby residents must have objected, and last week we went to look at a property which had enough room for an office, a practice room and even a recording studio, but then I was told by the owner that because we're working with young people they'd had to withdraw the offer.

"The bands are very talented but they need to get in front of an audience so they can boost their morale and get on stage.

"There must be someone in north Torfaen who can help us get on the right track. We know there is a demand for it."

Warren Clark, 25, is the drummer for Cwmbran-based soft-rock guitar band Little Unknown.

He said: "We've been involved with Dragon Bands for about three months and Angela has given us a lot of advice on copyright, helps with booking for gigs and with advertising ourselves so it's made our workload a lot easier.

"She's organised radio interviews and acoustic sets and it's been really helpful.

"Paying for rehearsal rooms twice a week costs us, so it would be a big difference if Dragon could get somewhere to stay." If you can help, write to PO Box 55, Pontypool, NP4 7WZ or call Angela on 07793 552357.