Press Release January 26 2010

Cash is up for grabs for equipment and tuition by budding young performance artists in Ribble Valley .

Ribble Valley Borough Council has launched an arts excellence grants scheme to help youngsters excel in dance, drama and music.

The scheme aims to emulate the council's successful sporting excellence grants programme, which has supported young Ribble Valley athletes at county and national level.

Robert Thompson, chairman of the council's community committee, said: "The biggest issue for young people and their parents in pursuing their chosen activity is the cost of instruction, transport and equipment. We hope that by providing support towards these costs, young people will be able to reach their full potential.

"We have offered financial support to talented young sports people for some time and it is only fair that the same support is offered to youngsters showing excellence in the arts."

Grants will be available from April 2010 for dance, drama and music (instrumental and voice), with priority given to those with a strong track record in their chosen discipline and working towards formal qualifications.

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 19, and application packs are available from the council's administration officer, Olwen Heap, on 01200 414408.

Ends.

Ref: PR110.

Date: January 26 2010.