NEW PODCAST to tell the stories of Hexham and district areas.

Local resident Steve Chaplin is launching a new audio podcast called 3tynespodcast which will launch on May 14.

The podcast is all about 'grassroots'music culture in the three Tyne valleys in rural west Northumberland roughly Carter Bar, Haltwhistle, Alston, Allenheads and Wylam.

The aim is to play all the music that is played in local venues like pubs, ceilidhs, community halls, schools and local festivals.

Steve said: "The podcast will feature local and visiting musicians, people who run venues, pubs that put music on, schools, festival organisers and fans of live music.

"They’ve all got stories to tell and I believe people will enjoy hearing them.

"I think this diversity will appeal to anyone in the region who’s interested in grassroots music, not solely the people who live in the three Tyne valleys.

"I am already recording episodes with local musicians.

"I have so far spoken to pop ‘n’ politics singer Paul Frear from Alston, folk singer Ian K Brown, community music guru David Oliver from Hexham, up and coming guitarist songwriter Dean Parker, traditional folk icon Vic Gammon and Northumbrian pipes maker Kim Bull.

"The first episode will be on the Hexham Morris Men dancing in the May 1 -  dawn on Hadrian’s Wall.

"Episodes will be released every two weeks on the usual streaming platforms.

"It is also on Facebook and Instagram.

"The podcast has no sponsors and makes no money."