An ambitious pair of teenagers have set up their own theatre company to inspire youngsters to get involved in the arts.

Eddie O’Brien and Shaun Tattersall, both from Accrington, have been awarded £10,000 from the Big Lottery’s Awards For All scheme to arm themselves with the latest sound and lighting equipment.

The 19-year-olds have been working to develop LS Music Studios for almost a year, running workshops at schools and colleges across Lancashire.

They have used the cash boost to buy a range of equipment including a new sound desk and six new microphones.

Eddie said he was delighted to have won the grant which will help to secure a future for the fledgling company.

He said: “It’s an expensive project to run so this money is a huge help. We were very lucky and very pleased to receive that much money. Competition is quite high to get these grants so we’re really chuffed.

“Now that we’ve got the equipment we don’t really need ongoing grants.”

The young entrepreneurs started LS Music Studios after taking part in a Celebrate Youth event, organised by Lancashire County Council.

The teenagers, who met at high school, set up their not-for-profit mobile company in March 2013.

Since then they have taught behind-the scenes theatre skills, including sound engineering and lighting, to youngsters across Lancashire.

Eddie said: “Shaun and I attended a Lancashire County Council Celebrate Youth event and the whole event was run by young people.

“That gave us the idea to set up workshops for schools, colleges and youth groups where we go in and train them in sound and lighting and the basics of running a show. There are plenty of places in Lancashire that teach performing arts but not so much the mechanics of running a show. When we teach workshops, we put on a show at the end and everyone can use the skills they have learned to produce it. It also gives them the experience to get a job in the industry.

“So many people get so much out of it and you learn so many skills.

“I think this is quite a unique project for Lancashire.”

Eddie is currently studying Radio Production at Manchester College, while Shaun is studying Media at Accrington and Rossendale College.

They eventually hope to create a theatre school which will teach all aspects of theatre production and management.

They have even enlisted the help of Accrington councillor Tony Dobson - who is acting as a trustee – and hope their new venture will be supported by Hyndburn MP Graham Jones.

The lads from LS Music Studios will be donating their time and skills at Oswaldtwistle Carnival on Sunday, June 22.

Eddie said: “We’re looking at expanding and teaching some AV camera work with a friend who has those skills.

“We have got a government petition going to get technical theatre taught in performing arts courses.

“When I was learning I realised I don’t want to be on stage, I want to be behind the scenes and if it was an option in school I would have taken that choice.

“I’m still a young person myself and people seem to be a bit more responsive when there’s not such a big gap in age.”