A VOLUNTARY, young drama group is set to benefit after being awarded a Community Initiative Grant.

The Wistaston Drama Group will receive £250 after a thumbs up from the Grants panel meeting last Wednesday.

Established for over five years, organisers are looking for funding to develop and expand the group.

They intend to increase commitment to their new 'senior' group for teenagers and attract new members from a wider area.

To begin their growth, the group have an opportunity to utilise the help of an outreach worker from the English Touring Theatre, Kelly Tuhill, and increase sessions by fifty per cent.

Financial assistance is also required for the training of staff to cover teen issues in drama and incorporate such workshops into the group's sessions.

Helen Gould said when applying for the grant: "There is no other facility in this area which covers drama coaching outside of a school without the limitations imposed by a classroom atmosphere.

"We do lots of work similar to youth club workers which are not available in this area and build self esteem, confidence and community involvement."

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