A YOUNG people’s theatre group has been awarded a £1,250 grant.

The Rotary Club of York has given the grant to York Theatre Royal’s Access All Areas group, which is a free weekly session for 12 to 16-year-olds in the city.

This spring, members of the group will take part in the Theatre Royal’s community project In Fog and Falling Snow at the National Railway Museum, and the grant will help support the group during the scheme.

Paula Clark, who leads the group said: “This donation to our Access All Areas project means that we can continue to make sure that all young people in York are able to participate in York Theatre Royal activities regardless of their circumstances. “This extremely generous grant means that we are able to extend the offer to many more young people in the community and continue to provide a meaningful experience for all participants.”

The donation cheque was handed over to the group at the National Railway Museum by Rotary Club of York president John Lacy and president elect Michael Fieldsend. Mr Fieldsend said: “We were impressed with what they were trying to achieve and especially that these young people were working towards a recognised qualification.

“The opportunity for us to help them take part in the forthcoming community production In Fog and Falling Snow was one we were happy to take on board. Having now met some of the young people in person, we are even happier that we have been able to help.”