MUSIC students studying at the newly built £13 million New College Campus are short of a grand piano.

After moving into the new Frobisher Drive campus in January, the college's music staff decided their existing grand piano needed replacing.

The have launched an appeal to buy a new £10,000 custom-made instrument.

Half of the cost will be met by the college budget.

Head of music Diana Bickley explained that the existing piano was on its last legs, and added: "It no longer keeps its tune and is beyond repair we are keen for something that will do justice to our performers.

"It's my belief that Swindon should have the sort of world-class piano that will not only help pupils' exam performances be appreciated as highly as they should be, but one that will also serve the community.

"The instrument I have in mind will attract top concert pianists, so music lovers in and around Swindon will be able to enjoy international standard concerts which not many people outside London get the chance to enjoy."

Clive Pinkham, a retired concert pianist who now builds bespoke pianos, will make the piano at a reduced price.

Diana explained that although £5,000 offered by the college would pay for a reasonable instrument, it would not be an instrument to inspire pupils or attract talented performers.

As part of the fundraising campaign, Diana has launched a scheme where members of the pubic, for a £50 donation, can attend concerts at the college with a 20 per cent discount.

Smaller donations are also welcome, and if the fundraising efforts are successful, proceeds from the inaugural concert will be donated to the Evening Advertiser's Swindon Cancer Appeal for Macmillan.

Anyone wanting to support the New College Piano Appeal should contact Diana Bickley at New College on 01793 611470.