A NON-PROFIT organisation which has put an East Yorkshire town on the map is in the running for The Press Business Awards 2013.

Pocklington Arts Centre, a 200-seat theatre, studio and exhibition space which has gained a nationwide reputation, attracting more than 30,000 visitors per year to more than 80 live events, is entering the Best Business & Community Link category.

The centre, which was awarded a Duke of York Community Initiative Award last year, is run by two full-time staff and a raft of volunteers. All its box office and auditorium staff are volunteers from the Friends of Pocklington Arts Centre, a registered charity with more than 300 members.

As well as attracting visitors for the town’s businesses, it also works with local schools, colleges, charities and businesses.

This includes holding music and beer festival Pocktoberfest in association with Pocklington & Market Weighton Round Table and Pocklington School, which last year raised £6,000 towards a Help for Heroes rehabilitation centre in Catterick.

The centre is also home to Wolds Wonders, a musical theatre group for adults with physical and learning disabilities, who meet weekly and stage public performances three to four times a year.

Since being based at the venue, Wolds Wonders have developed a loyal audience base within the town and broken down the stereotypical perceptions associated with disability, said manager Janet Farmer.

She said: “PAC continues to build links further afield and this year will be working in association with the Galtres Festival and Beverley Folk Festival in staging events at this two acclaimed festivals in the region.”