WORKSHOPS and New Year courses are being offered as a cure for the winter blues at Bromsgrove's Artrix venue.

A spokesman said: "With Christmas over and winter in full swing, there’s a chance to brighten up your January by starting a new hobby and making friends at Artrix.

"The Bromsgrove arts venue will be running a series of courses and workshops for adults and children."

The spokesman added: "Adults can try ballet and belly dancing have a go at stand up comedy with comedian and writer, Theo Theobald, or learn some sparkling songs at the SongStars Showchoir."

The Showchoir is led by Estelle Williams, a professional teacher and former stage singer.

Future stage stars aged 6 to 9 can get involved with the Out of the Box Juniors acting courses on Tuesday evenings.

The venue also hosts Out of the Box Seniors on Saturday afternoons for 10 to18 year olds.

For young singers, aged from 5 to nine, there’s a Little Songstars Showchoir and a Songstars Junior Showchoir which caters for ages 10 to15.

For adults aged 16 and over, there is a Songstars Adult Showchoir "which is a lively and friendly choir which welcomes new members".

The spokesman said: "All choir sessions run on Thursday evenings with a chance to learn great songs and take part in fun performances.

"The Adult Ballet Beginners Class is an excellent introduction to ballet for those who have never tried it before and the intermediate class includes some pointe work, floor exercises and barre work. The Belly Dancing class is for all levels and although it is low impact, it helps build core strength and increases flexibility."

TC Peppercorn, Artrix’s Engagement and Learning Co-Ordinator said ‘These courses and workshops offer a fantastic opportunity to anyone who fancies a new challenge to kick off 2016 in style. We hope that people will come along and try a taster session before booking’

For further details and to find out about taster sessions contact the box office on 01527 577330 or visit www.artrix.co.uk