FUND-raising has hit a high note at Walkford's Coda Music Centre with the announcement of a £90,000 Arts Council Lottery Fund grant.

Trumpeting the good news, chief executive of Coda David Walters, said: "Although it's taken a long time, our persistence has been worthwhile."

It is the second application for lottery funding from Coda, which provides music and musical tuition for people of all abilities in Dorset and Hampshire.

The previous one for £170,000 was turned down early this year.

The money is needed to help buy the freehold of Chewton Glen Farm in Chewton Glen Road, Walkford, where Coda is based. The total cost is expected to be more than £365,000.

Once the freehold has been purchased it will open the way to more fund-raising so that work can begin on converting the Victorian farm buildings into extra classrooms.

Currently some buildings are in use and two elderly caravans serve as additional teaching areas.

The first stage of the £1.8 million transformation designed by Lymington architect Giacinto Donvito will be to create disabled facilities and specialist therapy rooms.

Mr Walters thanked all Coda's supporters for their hard work in putting the lottery application together.

Other money will come from Dorset and Hampshire county councils, New Forest district and Christchurch borough councils and other organisations.

He said the grants vindicated the value of music as an educational tool and as an instrument in health and social care.

"The big thing is the trustees borrowing the majority, and we are able to pay that back with the help of people in the music industry," he said.

"I would love it if we could start building works next summer."

Trustees' chairman Nick Filbee said: "Securing the ownership of the land and buildings is an important step forward for the trust and we hope it will make the considerable investment required for the refurbishment more attractive to funders."

About 500 people a week benefit from Coda's facilities. All kinds of music interests are catered for and new classes for guitar and flute begin in the autumn.

More information on 01425 276161.

First published: Sept 6