Cash means we'll be able to dance in front of even more people

DanceFest, based in Sansome Street, Worcester, tours Worcestershire to show off its skills in venues such as schools and village halls.

Now it will be able to step up this work after Worcestershire County Council gave it a grant of £7,700.

Rose Beeston, manager at DanceFest, said: "This grant is a continuation of the county council's support of our work, but I am delighted to say that it is a 10 per cent increase on the money awarded to us last year.

"This will enable us to widen our programme of community participation and to do more work around the county. This can range from a six-week residency in a school to a one-off tutorial somewhere.

"We are inundated with requests, but have to pick and choose because of financial limitations. We only have two dance workers for Worcestershire, but this money will pay for them to be able to do more."

DanceFest offers a variety of tutorials from contemporary to jazz, even including breakdancing, and is available to people of all ages.

The group is one of seven arts venues in Worcester to benefit from the grants.

The others were:

l Artsworcs: £2,500 to be used for a specific project called the Worcester Pilgrim held at Worcester Cathedral and using theatre, music and visual arts.

l Singworks: £1,200. This is the first time that Singworks has received a grant and the money will be used to encourage youngsters to sing.

l Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall: £24,200.

l Worcester Arts

Workshop: £7,000.

l Worcester Cathedral: £2,000.

Philip Gretton, cabinet member for adult and community services at Worcestershire County Council, said: "We aim to create a strong working relationship with Worcester arts venues and to provide support and resources for others to take part in and contribute to the arts in Worcester. Some venues have an exciting programme booked for the next year."

To find out further information about Worcestershire County Council's arts service, log on to www.worcester

shire.gov.uk