FIVE art projects are being given a helping hand from Worcestershire County Council with the introduction of a new grant scheme.

Common Ground Theatre Group, Artery, Swan Playwrights, Horizon City Centre Youth Support Group, and the Worcester Federation of Young Farmers are due to receive up to £500 from the First Base initiative.

The community and voluntary groups are among the first to benefit from the scheme, which offers financial help to new ideas.

Steve Boffy, of Worcestershire County Council, said anyone who had experienced fund-raising would know the hardest funds to find were the first crucial pounds.

Endorsement

"Armed with a small grant and endorsement of the county council, I hope groups will be in a strong position to access other funding schemes and sources that require match funding," he said.

Common Ground Theatre Group will receive £300 for disability theatre group and Artery will be given £400 for summer arts events in the city.

Swan Playwrights received a boost to encourage young playwrights, and Horizon help to set up multi-cultural arts projects.

The Worcester Federation of Farmers will have the opportunity to develop a willow sculpture that it had planned for the Three Counties Show.