Poorer children priced out of a career in music

Britain risks losing the next Paul Mccartney or David Bowie because it is too expensive for many children to get a foothold in the music industry, a superstar record producer has warned.

Paul Epworth, who has worked with stars such as Adele and Rihanna, said youngsters without financial backing or existing connections are being excluded from a career in music as he backs a new two-year Creative Entrepreneurship diploma launched this week by the Ivors Academy, which will offer means-tested bursaries.

“Without this we risk losing another Paul Mccartney or David Bowie and their massive contribution to British and world culture,” Mr Epworth said.