Aspiring pop stars could learn about the music industry from established musicians in a �20m teaching centre planned for Birmingham.

Reggae band UB40 want to convert their Digbeth DEP International studio into a five-acre recording and performing complex.

In partnership with the city council and South Birmingham College, the centre in Andover Street will give students hands-on experience of all aspects of the business.

UB40's manager Lanval Storrod said the band intends to teach students in the studio and would persuade other stars to do the same.

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"At the end of the day, UB40 have been in Digbeth for the best part of 20 years.

"Unlike other bands who move away, they have continued to record there and now they feel they want to give something back to the city."

Mr Storrod said, subject to planning permission, the complex could be up and running within three years.

The plans have received the backing of Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting, Kim Howells.

UB40 were formed in 1978 and recorded most of their work, including the international hit LP Labour of Love, at the studios called The Abattoir.

It is also the base for their own label, DEP International Records.