ARTS groups in Worcester have been given a boost of nearly £250,000 after receiving grants from West Midlands Arts.

The Swan Theatre, which received £179,262, is one of three city-based organisations to receive funding.

Worcester Arts Workshop received £22,510 and the city's C&T drama group received £42,782, after gaining a 34 per cent boost under the Government's Regional Theatre Funding initiative, which was announced in March.

Worcestershire art group Open Theatre, which is based in Ombersley, also received a 51 per cent boost under the scheme and scooped £31,218.

Jenny Stephens, artistic director at the Swan, said she was pleased the money had been allocated to the theatre over the next three years, but disappointed the funding had not been increased, allowing even more "cutting edge" productions.

The theatre is to start its forthcoming season with the controversial David Hare play The Blue Room. Hollywood star Nicole Kidman was dubbed "theatrical Viagra" when she appeared naked in the leading role during its London run.

"We're delighted that we've received confirmation of funding for the next three years," said Ms Stephens.

"It means we can continue to offer the quality, range and diversity of work which we're very proud of.

"But I'm disappointed we didn't get more funding which would have allowed us to be even more creative and provided more cutting edge material.

"We believe the Swan is very strong when it comes to pushing the boundaries and offering people a wide and diverse choice of plays alongside classic productions."

She added the money also ensured the theatre's extensive work with community and education productions and workshops.

Richard Hayhow, of Open Theatre, said he was delighted to have been given the funding, which would enable the company to concentrate on its work rather than having to raise money.

The production company produces work which is then performed by adults with learning difficulties who tour the UK.

"This is brilliant news," he said.

"We've been trying to get stable funding for years and now we have it we can do a lot more of the work we want to do as we won't have to be fund-raising the rest of the year."