CREATIVE kids in Blackpool will soon be enjoying a new out-of-school arts project.

Dubbed ArtXtra, the new £400,000 project was launched last week at Blackpool's Grundy Art Gallery, Queen Street.

A Blackpool borough council spokesman said the three-year project, which is funded by the New Opportunities Fund, aimed to provide more than 160,000 extra hours of arts activities in 17 Blackpool schools.

The scheme should also benefit thousands of pupils who will be able to take part in dance, creative arts, youth theatre, sculpture and music activities during lunch times, after school and at weekends.

Schools involved include Claremont Primary, Grange Park Primary, Woodlands School, Bispham High School and Beacon Hill High School.

Councillor Eddie Collett, the council's portfolio holder for lifelong learning and citizenship, said: "The project will provide an opportunity for young people to work with professional artists and be able to take part, design and lead their own projects."