A scheme that helps disaffected youngsters re-engage with society by learning circus skills and rock singing is a sure-fire hit, says South Pembrokeshire AM Angela Burns.

TidyLike Records and Circus Marlarkey have taught hundreds of youngsters a sense of confidence and self worth with their special workshops and rock schools.

They also provide an outlet for local musicians to record and distribute their music, selling their CDs and recycling the profit to enable other bands to record albums for free.

Their work has so impressed Mrs. Burns that she's now pledged to help the social enterprise access funding for its work.

"I was very impressed by the work that TidyLike has already done with young people with a wide range of issues," said Mrs. Burns. 

"Social enterprises which aim to benefit the community are a wonderful idea and should be helped all they can."

TidyLike is run as a community interest company by former housing adviser Robin Benson from Llawhaden.

"There is a lot of creativity out there and we just facilitate people being creative," he said.

Now in its fourth year, they have produced 30 albums with different artists, the most successful of whom, Johnny Action Finger, are playing Glastonbury this year.

"If someone wants to record an album, then there's no charge and they continue to own their own work, we don't operate like a normal record company," explained Robin.

"We have also run hundreds of rock schools teaching kids from youth centres to young offenders and drug users how to perform and stage manage at a gig."

Robin and his team also stage circus skills workshops which succeed in engaging hard-to-reach youngsters.

"We provide a positive stimulus that helps these youngsters re-engage and that may be enough to get them thinking about going to college, the job centre or addiction advisors," he added.

Mrs. Burns added: "I have met youngsters who have just 'switched off' from society, who think they are of no value or who have struggled with drugs and alcohol or abuse. Using music, creativity and circus skills to relight that spark is a great idea."

For more information on Circus Malarkey or TidyLike Records, contact Robin on 07779 089204 [email protected]">[email protected].