GRANTS totalling more than £45,000 have been given to seven arts venues in Worcester.

Worcestershire County Council has awarded a cash boost to more than 18 organisations across the county as part of its commitment to the arts.

The authority's arts service encourages involvement with theatre, music, festivals, workshops and dance throughout the county. These grants are awarded to venues and are reviewed on a yearly basis. The venues in Worcester received grants for specific community-based arts projects. The venues that received money are:

l Artsworcs received a total award of £2,500 this year. The money will be used for a specific project called the Worcester Pilgrim held at Worcester Cathedral and using theatre, music and visual arts.

l Dancefest received a total award of £7,700. This year the money will be used to further community work with young people.

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

l Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall received a total grant of £24,200. Worcester Arts Workshop received a total award of £7,000 and Worcester Cath-edral received a grant of £2,000.

Philip Gretton, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, 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."

Chris Jaeger, director for Huntingdon Arts (Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall), said: "We value our relationship with Worc-estershire County Council and are overjoyed that we have been selected again for a grant. The money will be used for the general running costs of the buildings for both Huntingdon Hall and the Swan Theatre so we can continue to programme quality performances and maximise community in-volvement."