A new Bystock Court-based rock ‘n roll band composed entirely of adults with learning difficulties urgently needs a leader and musicians.

The idea comes from the original North-Devon based Honeytones, who have gigged all over Devon, including giving three performances at Dartmoor Prison.

Said a Honeytones spokesman: “We have been very successful in bridging gaps in the public understanding and perception of the potential of the learning disabled.”

The Honeytones have now been awarded nearly �30,000 in lottery funding to launch and mentor the second musical outfit.

Band leader Bob Courtney told the Journal they needed new performers and a band leader.

He said the original Honeytones had been in huge demand and had been inundated with gig requests – leading to the idea to start a new group.

Bystock Court ‘talent scouts’ will now identify special needs folk - minimum age 18 years - and mentor them for up to a year, providing them with all the equipment they will need to enable them to perform in public.

Bob said: “We did a gig at Bystock Court recently - it was a fantastic night and there are some very promising residents there.

“We are looking for a couple more candidates so anyone with special needs who thinks they are up to the job should come forward.

“But what Bystock does not have is a staff member who could commit to taking charge of and participate with the band.

“Such a person needs to be able to drive, have a reasonable grasp of music and, above all, enthusiasm for the unpaid job.

“A guitar player would be an advantage, but not essential.”

If you think you can help contact Bob on (01769) 574092.