BUDDING musicians in north Essex will now have the chance to improve their skills at a new academy which has just opened above a Colchester music shop.

Allegro Music in St Botolph's Street closed while it underwent refurbishment and the creation of its academy on its first floor.

Tuition in all kinds of instruments will be available at the academy.

The strore's reopening was marked with demonstrations and lessons and customers had the chance have free keyboard and guitar lessons during the open day.

The shop was closed for nearly a week while the refurbishment went ahead.

The store's Jonathan Scott said: "This is an exciting time for us at the Colchester branch, with a great new look we are sure past, present and future customers will benefit from the refurbishment."