A private music teacher is acting as the springboard to stardom for a number of young musicians.

One of Dru Irving's students has gone on to be a successful sound engineer working with the likes of Olly Murs, while another now attends the London College of Music.

Mr Irving, who is based in Greenfield, is currently mentoring 16-year-old guitarist and singer from Wylam, Hannah Stanton.

The pair have collaborated with engineer Adam Forster, at Old Church Studios, to record two songs.

The tracks are featured on an EP titled Four Stories.

Miss Stanton said: "My guitar playing, singing, and musical knowledge have improved immensely, thanks to Dru's great teaching and guidance."

One of Mr Irving's former pupils, Rob Sadler, is now a successful sound engineer and counts clients including Rag'n'Bone Man, James Bay, and Olly Murs.

Another success story is Jack Elsdon, a former Gosforth High School student who now studies at the London College of Music after having achieved Jazz Piano Grade 8 with Distinction.

Mr Irving will soon mentor alongside two star musicians in an upcoming song writing workshop: Carl Barât, of The Libertines, and Kyle Falconer, of The View.

One of the songs from the Four Stories EP, Wish By The Willow, can be listened to at https://open.spotify.com/track/4ui5KS67uCIsR3c0rqQ26b?si=b86a4d90a3784b27&nd=1&dlsi=61dce0a7b76d4d46