A UNIQUE music group in Pembrokeshire which gives people with learning difficulties the chance to perform alongside local professional musicians is singing out for more members.

Wings Over Pembrokeshire already has over 70 enthusiastic participants, who enjoy weekly workshops at the Garage youth centre in Haverfordwest and a music night every month in Tenby. But the group is hoping to encourage more people to join in its workshops at the Quins Club, Pembroke Dock.

"We’re sure there are lots of potential members out there who would love to come along,” said committee member Marty Andrews of Manorbier. “Wings helps people with moderate and severe learning difficulties gain confidence in a world that often leaves them behind - friendships are made and some of the shyer amongst them come out of their shell.

"And people from the mainstream discover the companionship and uninhibited enthusiasm that always seems to be around when people with special needs conquer their disabilities."

Wings was started seven years ago, when the family of a severely-disabled young man approached the Jam Shop Studios in Haverfordwest. He responded well to music and creating sounds, and very soon, other young people with a range of disabilities came along and joined in drum workshops.

With encouragement from each other, they began to sing; musicians supported them and Wings Over Pembrokeshire was born.

Wings stands for With Inclusion Nobody Gets Sidelined, and the group, which performs concerts all over Pembrokeshire, is planning its own festival later this year.

Mr Andrews, whose 19-year-old son Joe is a member, added: "It’s particularly good for 18-30 year-olds - it gives them a real focus and good social opportunities, and some are learning to play instruments such as guitar and drums.”

The music played by Wings is chosen by its members, and which ranges from rock and roll, through rock, blues,new wave, reggae and indie to current chart hits.

The workshops at the Quins club take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month between 7pm and 9pm, with the next one tonight (Wednesday March 19).

Anyone interested can contact Mr Andrews on 01834 871181, or just go along on the night.