THREE schools in Haslingden are launching a pioneering theatre company in Rossendale.

Haslingden High School, Tor View School and Haslingden Primary School, have been working with London's world-renowned theatre company Chickenshed, to bring a socially inclusive company to Rossendale.

The schools have been involved with the project for more than a year, visiting Chickenshed in London and fund-raising.

Once launched, the schools believe it will open doors for people from different parts of the community to take part in theatre productions.

Gill Rennard deputy head of Haslingden High, a specialist arts college, said: "It is a huge venture, but a natural extension of the enormous amount of inclusion work the three schools already do together.

"We are delighted that the project is taking off and are very excited about it - it really does have the potential to shapeminds and change lives."

Andy Squire, headteacher at Tor View, an aspiring specialist arts college, said the school wanted to bring the notion of pioneering, inclusive and beautiful theatre to Rossendale.

He said: "We see it as a major development for the arts in Rossendale and the extended school network.

"The project is not only for Rossendale but East Lancashire and joining areas."

Local arts practitioners are now needed to train in the methods and practice of inclusive theatre.

Anyone interested in being a member of the new theatre company or would like to attend an inclusive theatre project is invited to an open meeting on Tuesday May 8, at 6.30pm, at Haslingden High School.

All three schools involved are Creative Partnership Hub schools and they are being supported by Lancashire County Council, Rossendale Council, Creative Partnerships and Arts Council North West in this project.