A GROUP of pioneering students are attempting to unlock the potential of Cheltenham's derelict shop space.

Young artists, musicians and creative spirits have launched a scheme to rejuvenate the town's empty premises with a colourful combination of art, photography, music and film.

Dubbed Open Sesame, the bold initiative has been launched in the Beechwood shopping centre next to Rise record store.

Ben Wrigglesworth, a graphic design student at the University of Gloucestershire, who has helped to get the scheme off the ground, said there would be plenty in the exhibition to catch shoppers' attention.

The 22-year-old, who lives in St Paul's, said: "Open Sesame is a way of bringing vibrancy and diversity back to the town's abandoned spaces.

"It's such a shame to have empty shops when there are loads of talented people out there who would kill to have a place to exhibit their work to a wide audience."

The first Open Sesame exhibition, which will run until end of business on Saturday, showcases work from some of Cheltenham's most promising young artists, photographers and musicians. The display will also include daily screenings of independent films and documentaries at 1pm and 4.30pm.

"There's a theory that if you don't look after places then people don't look after them either, which can lead to other problems such as crime and anti-social behaviour," added Ben. "But if you take pride in the area you live in it can work the other way. That's what Open Sesame is all about – showing pride in the community.

"The idea has the potential to spread throughout empty shops in Cheltenham. Hopefully, this week is just the start of things to come."

Fine art photography student Richard Ashton is using the exhibition as way to display his latest work to shoppers.

The 22-year-old said: "There will be a constant flow of people passing by the exhibition. Hopefully, a few of them will come in and have a look."

Martin Quantock, town centre manager, said there were less empty shops in Cheltenham than the national average but that Open Sesame would be a welcome addition.

He said: "No one likes to see empty units. If we can use these spaces as a shop window for up-and-coming creative talents then it's a win-win situation."