BUDDING hit singers are being offered the chance to follow in the footsteps of our own international superstar Joss Stone.

That is because her mum, Wendy Joseph - who lives near Uffculme, just over the Somerset-Devon border - is setting up a song writing and music academy to help find the area's most talented artists to help with their careers.

Mama Stone's Song Writing and Studio Music Academy will be run jointly by Wendy and her husband, Jonathan Joseph, who was Joss's musical director and drummer.

Wendy said: "Having spent three years travelling around the world as Joss's manager, I learned a lot about the music industry and I am always being asked by people in the area for advice and tips.

"That's why we decided to launch this academy so that over four weeks we can help people gain skills to help launch their music careers."

The academy will hold auditions for people to demonstrate their ability and talent, with 12 been picked for each four-week course in which they will have to produce an original song from scratch.

Wendy, who helped co-write Joss's hit single, You Had Me, and continues to write, manage and collaborate with other artists, said: "The academy will also help us dig out real talent from the area to help with their careers and reach their full potential."

For more information on Mama Stone's Academy call 01884-841741 or email enquiries@mamastones.com