SWINDON'S music-minded youngsters are to benefit from a scheme launched by a high street bank.

Lloyds TSB started Note For Note in February and it is due to be officially launched in Swindon on Thursday at Churchfields School.

Similar to schemes before it such as Tesco's Computers For Schools the project aims to provide music equipment for schools.

But rather than having shoppers swap coupons for equipment, Lloyds TSB is urging customers to round the pennies in their accounts down to donate them to the school of their choice.

Four Swindon schools will be involved in the launch of Note For Note including Churchfields itself, Lawn Junior School and St Joseph's.

Valli Burke, of Lloyds TSB, in Old Town, said: "We are really interested in making a difference to the youngsters in the town and this is a fantastic opportunity for the schools to benefit from this initiative.

"Music can play an important part in shaping people's lives and we want to inspire creativity through music for young people."

The bank has joined up with Yamaha to get reduced prices on instruments from keyboards and drum kits to brass and public address systems.

Money provided will also help pay for workshops in schools giving youngsters the chance to try out music such as percussion and vocal techniques.

Through the Prince's Trust Sound Live course young people will be able to learn about music through a series of six-day courses which will allow them to play in a band and then perform their music on the closing evening of the course.

Getting involved

YOU can only get involved in the Note for Note scheme if you are a Lloyds TSB customer with a current account.

Money is raised in three different ways.

The first is by rounding down the pennies in your account if you have £178.56 then 56p will be put into the Note For Note Scheme.

You can also make a regular monthly donation to the scheme of up to £250, as well as a one-off payment.

To find more about scheme, whether you are a customer or a school, visit the Note For Note website at: www.lloydstsb.com/ note_for_note.asp

Schools need to register before June 1 on the website or by calling 08459 400400.