THE Courtyard in Hereford has been given a £10,000 grant to develop its work with county schools and its own youth theatre programme.

Herefordshire’s Centre for the Arts has been awarded the money by national education charity, the Ernest Cook Trust.

It will contribute towards the salary of a full time youth and communities participation manager, responsible for building partnerships with local schools.

The venue’s specialist education and outreach team delivers arts projects throughout Herefordshire’s rural communities.

David Durant, associate director at The Courtyard, said: "We already have strong links with most of Herefordshire’s schools, but are excited about now having the opportunity to work more closely with more schools for the future.

"Our education and outreach work is constantly growing, which reflects high local demand for arts provision for young people in this area."

The Ernest Cook Trust is one of the UK's leading educational charities, and is rooted in the conservation and management of the countryside.

ECT actively encourages children and young people to learn from the land through hands-on educational opportunities on its 22,000 acres of landed estates and by giving grants.

For more information about The Courtyard’s community and outreach work and youth theatre schemes, visit courtyard.org.uk/get-involved