A GROUP for violinists has scooped a £6,500 grant from the BBC.

'Strung Out' was founded in March 2010 to provide fans of the instrument in Waltham Forest opportunities to play together, irrespective of ability or age.

The money will help fund a project to compose a piece of music to "express" what it is like to live in east London, in collaboration with other community groups and professional musicians.

It is hoped that the 'Express Symphony' will be performed at a variety of regional music festivals in 2013, including the East End Film Festival and The Stow Festival.

Jenny Barker, of Strung Out, said: “The support from the BBC Performing Arts Fund will really boost our confidence and violin skills.

"Being given the  opportunity to be involved with composing a piece of music and working alongside professional musicians is incredible.

"Out motto is 'It's never too late' and this certainly endorses that and we hope we inspire others to  get involved and/or take up a musical instrument."

The BBC's Community Music Scheme is giving out grants totalling £250,000 to not-for-profit organisations across the UK to help develop musical talent.