Last month 13 groups were successfully awarded grants including three benefiting from the new Young at HeArt category, specifically for people over 50.

The grant scheme, which has helped 80 community groups, schools and arts organisations since it started in 2006, will run for two more rounds before Blyth Valley becomes part of a unitary council in April 2009.

Deadlines for applications are September 30 and November 30.

With new opportunities for increased funding, the categories are now split:

• Arts development grants – up to £250 for any community group, school or art organisation


• SmArt grants – up to £250 for young people's projects

Young at HeArt grants – up to £1,000 for activities specific to groups working with people at least 50-years-old.

Among those benefiting from one of June 2008's Young at HeArt grants is a group of residents from Concorde House sheltered housing in Holywell, awarded more than £800 to bring in an artist in residence to lead art and craft sessions.

Hilda Stobart, resident warden at Concorde House, said: "We're delighted and residents are looking forward to taking part in the arts and crafts group.

"We did run a craft group before, which was very popular and this money will mean that we can afford to run much more sophisticated sessions and more ambitious projects."

For more information contact Helen Moore, Blyth Valley Borough Council's cultural development officer, on (01670) 542265 or e-mail hmoore@blythvalley.gov.uk