THE leader of Dudley Council has praised a Stourbridge business specialising in handmade unique and boutique guitars.

Councillor Patrick Harley stopped off on Monday to visit ‘James’ Home of Tone - an independent business which offers guitar services including replacement and upgraded wiring kits.

The visit was a part of the authority’s Made in Dudley campaign, which shines a light on the borough’s successful and locally grown businesses.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader elect at Dudley Council, said: “As a music lover myself, I really enjoyed meeting James and learning more about the very specialised guitar services he offers.

"Dudley Council is committed to supporting local and small businesses such as Home of Tone and James provides yet another great example of how Dudley borough businesses are innovating and creating new opportunities."

James Gascoigne, owner of James’ Home of Tone based in Wollaston, said: "It has been my lifelong dream to run a guitar shop, I started playing guitar at just six, and I’m proud to have grown the businesses organically to where it is today."

He added: "The local area is something that has been really important to me, and I appreciate the leader's visit to discuss this further whilst also explaining the unique nature of my specialist guitar business."

The business does not have a walk-in shop but James can be contacted by emailing james@homeoftone.co.uk.

James will be exhibiting at Stourbridge's Bonded Warehouse in Canal Street on June 19 at an FX EXPO event for the guitar community - centred around the guitar effects pedal industry.

He said: "I will be showcasing the various effects pedal companies from across the world that I stock and represent."

Tickets for the event cost £5 and they areavailable in advance or on the door on the day.