CULTURAL centres around York have been granted new funding from Arts Council England.

York Theatre Royal, Pilot Theatre, York Museums Trust and the National Centre for Early Music have all been awarded National Portfolio Organisation status between 2018 and 2022.

The funding covers projects which will inspire community groups to get involved in theatre, music and the arts, with companies receiving a share of £409 million from Arts Council England.

Steve Brown, managing director of Make It York, said this was "absolutely brilliant news for York".

He said: "This new funding means we’ll have even more to celebrate this year and beyond as our city’s cultural organisations are able to use this funding to make new initiatives happen."

Chief executive of York Theatre Royal Liz Wilson said the theatre would receive a total grant of £2,349,016 over four years - just over £587,000 a year.

She said: "It is just over a year since we reopened our doors following our major multi-million pound transformation, and we have just celebrated one of the most memorable years to date.

"This award allows us to make sure the next four years will be just as inspiring. Much of our produced work will be developed in partnership with theatre producing companies from across the country and we will continue to welcome the UK’s best touring companies as well as supporting new and emerging artists."

More to follow.