THE home of arts in the county has been shortlisted for a national award for its latest fundraising campaign.

The Courtyard is one of 19 organisations from around the UK which have been shortlisted for the second annual Emcees Awards.

The centre was shortlisted in the Best Individual Giving Campaign for its I Heart CY campaign which focuses on the individual stories of the people who benefit from the community work that the arts centre delivers within the venue and across the county.

I Heart CY aimed to raise £20,000 in 2016-2017 to support the arts centre since the loss of regular council funding and achieved its target in March.

Melanie Denning, fundraising manager, said: "We’re chuffed to have been shortlisted for this national award for I Heart CY which reflects how our members, audiences and the general public have got behind this campaign.

"I Heart CY focuses on supporting our extensive community arts programmes and we’re continuing the campaign into 2017. Thank you to everyone for supporting us so far and please keep doing so.”

These awards, established by =mc and the National Arts Fundraising School, aim to recognise excellence in arts and culture fundraising.

The Courtyard has been shortlisted alongside Hallé Concerts Society for The Oglesby Challenge and Music Venue Trust for their FIGHTBACK campaign. The winners will be announced on Thursday, May 4 at an event held at the LAMDA’s brand new theatre in London.

Donations to the I Heart CY Appeal can be made in person at the Box Office, by phoning 01432 340555, online at courtyard.org.uk or by post.

Cheques can be sent in, or handed in, at the Courtyard and should be made for the attention of Melanie Denning.