Plant's label wins national award

M.A.S Records based at Kidderminster College will be presented with the Access to Music award at a ceremony in London on September 21.

The coveted prize, sponsored by Rockschool which runs music exams, recognises the "tremendous commitment" from creative director and course leader Kevyn Gammond and his team.

M.A.S, which stands for Mighty Atom Smasher, helps to promote the latest up and coming bands in the West Midlands. The label provides training and advice for nearly 160 musicians, helping bands to land all important record deal.

He said: "Receiving the Access To Music award this year is very gratifying. The M.A.S. Records team consistently strives to offer good service and works hard to do so. In March we received a Grade 1 from Ofstead, recognising outstanding achievement, standards, and quality of provision. So this year has been thrilling."

Head of lifelong learning at Kidderminster College Anna Place, said: "Gaining this award is even more exceptional given that it is our first year working with Rockschool. The team have worked tirelessly, frequently in the evenings and at weekends, to provide an outstanding learning experience and thoroughly deserve the recognition."

Plant, who lives near Kidderminster, was honoured by the Prince of Wales when he received a CBE earlier this year.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers fanatic has had a successful and diverse solo career since the band split in 1980 following the death of drummer John Bonham. He recently refused to join a mooted Led Zeppelin reunion so he could concentrate on his collaboration with American bluegrass singer Alison Krauss.