KENDAL sons Wild Beasts have won £25,000 of government funding to help take their music overseas.

The indie band is one of 16 sixteen successful acts to benefit from the cash boost, which aims to support the promotion of Britain’s music around the world and increase the industry’s contribution to the economy.

The funding, announced by the BPI and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) during Export Week, was awarded to the group’s label Domino Records.

The quartet, three of whom attended Queen Katherine School, have just returned from a tour of China and will play the Electronic Beats Festival in Liepzig, Germany this week before returning for a couple of dates in the UK.

The £2.5 million Music Export Growth Scheme was announced by Prime Minister, David Cameron in October 2013 and is a partnership between the BPI and UKTI.

This fourth round of the scheme brings the total amount of grants given to 60 independent labels, artists and management companies to more than £1 million this year.

Wild Beasts, and 15 other acts, will join more than 40 previous recipients including Mercury Prize winners, Young Fathers, and the MOBO award-winning jazz artist, Zara McFarlane, in receiving funding from it.

Phil Patterson, UKTI Music Sector Specialist, said: “The UK has a strong musical heritage that dates back through many decades.

“UKTI is proud to support this thriving sector which strengthens the reputation of our country as a world leader in creativity whilst helping to grow the UK economy.”

BPI Director of International, Chris Tams said: “The Music Export Growth Scheme has delivered an exceptional Class of 2014 who are winning awards, securing high profile tour support slots, and releasing high-charting albums.

“Such achievements demonstrate that we are on the path to success with this Scheme and that the funding provides practical and vital support to artists at a tipping point in their careers.

The financial assistance forms part of the Government’s efforts to get 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses exporting.

Independent music companies can apply for amounts between £5,000 and £50,000 to support touring, international marketing and other overseas activities.