WORCESTER theatre company C&T is making contact with the outside world easier for people living in rural Herefordshire thanks to a £150,000 Lottery-funded project.

The group, based at University College, has been given the cash through the New Opportunities Fund to set up The Living Newspaper.com, a drama and computer project to help isolated communities.

The company will tour throughout the county and allow people to explore regional, national and international news through hands- on experience of drama and new technology.

"These grants are tremendous news as they will enable our company to work with people in some of the most rurally isolated communities in the West Midlands," said Paul Sutton, artistic director of C&T.

"Support for the living newspaper will enable our company to create a truly innovative learning resource for people and communities not only in the West Midlands but across the UK.

"Our aim will be to bring the news and learning to life in a way never seen before."

The mobile centre will be operated by C&T's award-winning team of arts workers.

They will enable the centre's users to explore their feelings and experiences through drama and information communication technology.

A web-based facility which recreates the classic documentary drama will also allow people to share their thoughts about news issues and stories.

"Many people in our communities have never had the opportunity to learn even basic information and communications technology skills, and have been excluded through disadvantage," said Stephen Dunmore, chief executive of the fund.

"This money will open up opportunities for discovering the wealth of information out there for work, leisure and everyday living."