A REDDITCH music store, championed by the NME and Mojo, is going from strength to strength.

Death or Glory Records recently moved from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre to Church Green, next to Cafe Mambo and opposite the bandstand.

The store, which is owned by Steve Hadley, recently announced that as well as providing a platform for emerging local bands and artists it would be hosting live gigs, and running an independent record label and recording studio.

Steve, passionate about supporting local talent whether that be photography, art or music, said: "We now have a recording studio at the shop enabling local bands and artists to have access to talented producers and equipment, but we subsidize the price so they can afford it.

"We also have the same deal with a local photographer who can offer band shoots, promos and live shoots at a discounted price."

The shop, which has been campaigning for a better live music scene since it opened at the start of the year, runs regular band forums, workshops and events, all free of charge and showcases work from local photographers and artists.

At the heart of the shop's ambitious mission though is to get a thriving music scene going.

"We are putting on regular gigs to give the music scene a real destination spot and help the scene grow," he said.

"What is needed though is more of a sense of community within the bands to support the scene, for venues to treat bands with more respect, for bands to go to other band's gigs.

"Top Banana are a great example of a place (and person in Steve who runs it) that get the importance of helping and nurturing the bands. He is a real plus point for Redditch.

"There are some genuinely talented bands and artists in the area. Some of which are already being played by BBC Introducing and BBC Radio One."

Steve added: "The only way the music scene will continue to grow is if bands and those that care about it work together."

For more information about the shop, visit facebook.com/DeathorGloryR.