A THEATRE company has hit the jackpot after receiving £53,000 in government grants.

The Horse and Bamboo Theatre, Waterfoot, which has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, scooped the cash to support a two-year arts education project.

The money, made available from the Single Regeneration Budget's Community Fund, is to be used to appoint a full-time arts education officer and a part time key project worker to deliver the programme - HoBo. The project, named after the theatre company, would help tackle the issue of racial intolerance throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

George Harris, the company's development manager, said: "It is fantastic news. We have been working with the Community Fund for almost two years to put together a package which they found acceptable. To have finally landed such a large award is wonderful. A full-time arts/education officer will deliver fantastic benefits for Rossendale as well as our company." He said school pupils and people attending community groups would benefit.

Mr Harris added: "It will mean we will be able to take on more vital arts education projects with schools and community groups, as well as having the HoBo package available to schools in the Valley."

The new arts/education officer, Frances Rogan, has now taken up the post.

She said: "I am running the educational programme in schools around Lancashire using masks and visual art based around one of our shows.

"This looks at issues of racial tolerance and harassment to increase children's understanding."

Any school that would like to find out more about HoBo should contact George on 01706 220241 or email bamboo@zen.co.uk