Guitar hero Johnny Marr to help inspire the next generation of Salford musicians

The Smiths songwriter is offering financial support to one young person from Salford who can show they have the potential to make a career in music.

The Johnny Marr Award is opening up to applications this month with the aim of finding a first worthy recipient of the funding, which will go towards musical instruments, recording equipment –or indeed anything that will help the successful young person to progress.

.Johnny was only a teenager himself when he formed The Smiths with singer Morrissey back in 1982, with the group becoming one of the most influential in British pop history.

The band famously posed in front of Salford Lads Club for one album sleeve photo and Johnny is teaming up with a local charity in the city to launch the new funding award.

The Salford Foundation Trust will help identify the winners of the award, which is launching initially for three years.

Johnny Marr said: “It’s a privilege to make a contribution to the creative development of young people.

“The Salford Foundation Trust is a great example of positive local action that makes a difference. It’s an honour to be involved.”

Peter Collins CBE, Managing Trustee from The Salford Foundation Trust said: “I am very grateful for the support from Johnny Marr – we can’t let financial difficulties stand in the way of talent and this fund gives a young person in Salford for each of the next three years a chance to progress their talent”.

Applicants must be 25 or under and applications are open from Tuesday 18th October until Tuesday 15th November.

Please visit the Salford Foundation Trust website at www.salfordfoundationtrust.org.uk  and click on How to Apply and then click on the Johnny Marr Award for more details and the application form.