A MUSIC project that has been inspiring youngsters in West Oxfordshire for the past year welcomed former Guns N’ Roses guitarist and rock legend Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal to its headquarters.

The famous rocker visited the base of The Bumblefoot Rock Project, in Shipton-under-Wychwood, on Monday, to meet with aspiring rock stars developing their skills.

The scheme was founded last year to inspire people of all ages to learn how to play instruments, write and record their own music and join and form bands.

Mr Thal, who was involved with Guns N’ Roses between 2004 and 2014, has been part of BFR since it first started, and acts as an inspiration to young people looking to make a career in music.

He said: “It started for me when I heard Kiss when I was five, so I know from personal experience that it starts at a very young age.

“There’s nothing better for the soul, for the brain, for everything than learning music.”

The 47-year-old from New Jersey said that helping young people find inspiration in the world of music was his favourite part of the job.

He continued: “It’s pretty much my favourite part of all of it. From playing in front of a 100,000 people to playing in bars, to working with my heroes – through it all what makes me feel the most purposeful is when I get to pay forward all the things I’ve learned and teach others.

“That’s what music is. It pushes you to the point that you want to create and share it with others.”

The project is not just designed to develop the music skills of those taking part. It also helps them explore every element of the industry, from writing to production.

Bass guitarists Summer Wyatt-Buchan, 14, from Maugersbury, and Freya Gent, 15, from Hailey, have been honing their craft with the project since it first began last year.

Summer, who performs in bands called Lights Out and The Blunder Years, said: “We write new songs every week and get the chance to perform a lot.

“The project pushes us to go and find our own performances when it’s time for us to go off and be independent.”

Freya, who plays with The Social and goes to Wood Green School, said it has helped boost her confidence.

She said: “It’s really good for your self-confidence. Before I wouldn’t have been able to go on stage but recently my band played the main stage of Witney Music Festival.”

The Bumblefoot Rock Project, which was set up by Lee Wyatt-Buchan and Mike Dove, meets weekly at New Beaconsfield Hall in Shipton-under-Wychwood. Those looking to get involved with the project can find details and contacts at bumblefootrockproject.com.