The 100-year-old church in Tower Street is now known simply as The Studio, and plays a key role in developing local stars and bringing skilled performers to Hartlepool.

In 1998 the derelict church was bought and refurbished at a cost of £1million by the charity which was set up as Durham Street Studio in 1981.

Ian Heddle has been an events administrator at the project for five years – but with only four staff members he says he is more a jack of all trades!

"I would describe us as a music community centre. We offer music but there are so many other things we offer from helping with drug rehabilitation to helping disadvantaged children," he said.

The venue is extremely atmospheric with original stained glass windows, arched ceilings and unique architecture.

"I think it helps people perform. It has a lot of character and people always say 'wow you still have the windows' when they come. It's a creative place rather than a modern box like a lot of new studios are," added Ian.

In 1994 due to the reliance on external funding the project hit hard times and had to fold, only to be resurrected thanks to a grant from Hartlepool Borough Council.

After coming under new management, it was decided the project needed to have income other than grants so the church was bought to offer a venue with events bringing in additional funds.

Now the likes of Athlete, Newton Faulkner and Elliot Minor have visited while on tour.

Ian said: "We will never be the Carling Academy, but we give people a chance to have a stage that wouldn't otherwise.

"You never know, some of the young people who play here could go on to much bigger things.

"If music can bring people together and give them focus then that is exactly what we are here for."