TENS of thousands of pounds has been granted to University College Worcester to boost its art and design department.

The college has been awarded a £30,000 grant - the maximum available - as a result of its bid for funding from the United Artists@WestMidlands Fellowship Scheme.

The money, which is being matched by the college, will see the appointment of an artist and curator from January next year until December 2006.

Also, research artist Jayne Gaze, who graduated from UCW last year, has been awarded a £5,000 grant by Arts Council England to support the development of her work as an artist in residence at Worcester Cathedral.

Ms Gaze has also been appointed by the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust to work with recovering mental health patients using art as therapy.

Maureen Gamble, spokeswoman for UCW, said: "This is really exciting news for the department and for the individuals concerned.

"We continue to develop our reputation as a leading centre for art and design, reflected in the high numbers of applications we receive from students wanting to come here to study.

"Recognition such as this, along with the major investment in the digital arts centre recently opened here, confirms that we are continuing to build on our reputation for excellence in art and design."

UCW principal Professor David Green said he was delighted, adding: "We have a vibrant and exciting art and design department here and significant funding like this for projects is vital for developing our work.

"It is particularly rewarding to hear of Jayne's success, as a recent UCW art graduate.

"The support we are able to give to our students opens up a range of opportunities for them to pursue a rewarding career and make a very real contribution to the local community."

Research artist Jayne Gaze, who is the artist in residence at Worcester Cathedral.