A theatre company in East Lancashire has been awarded a £2,000 grant to help them get back on their feet.

The Civic Arts Centre and Theatre in Oswaldtwistle was one of 12 charities to receive a share of a £25,000 grant fund in the second round of the Cadent Foundation’s ‘Connecting Colleagues, Customers and Communities’ initiative.

The Cadent Foundation is funded by local gas network Cadent, and employees were asked to nominate local charities which were then shortlisted to go forward to a public vote.

More than 1,500 customers took part in the voting process with the Rainbow Hub in Mawdesley, near Ormskirk, being awarded the top grant of £3,000 and the Civic Arts Centre and Theatre receiving a £2,000 grant.

The Civic Arts Centre and Theatre is a community theatre and arts group, providing the people of Oswaldtwistle with a centre for all forms of art including dance, drama, music, musical theatre, singing and photography. It also delivers workshops, training sessions and work experience.

Creative Director, Gayle Knight, said: “As a small charity we are desperate to pick up our community work again after the strangest of years.

"Even in normal times we sometimes feel like we’re running on fresh air to keep the building and the sessions going and this year has been even harder.

"Every single penny is appreciated and useful. We’re extremely grateful for being considered.”

The Rainbow Hub supports children with physical and neurological disabilities through a range of therapies including conductive education, physio, rebound therapy and communication services.

Lancashire Telegraph: Children from Rainbow Hub with Cadent engineer, Paul Yates who nominated the charity for a grant as part of the ‘Connecting Colleagues, Customers and Communities’ initiative.

They change the lives of the children by helping each to reach their individual potential and gain more independence whilst providing advice, friendship and support to all the family.

Director of the Cadent Foundation, Julia Dwyer, said: “The ‘Connecting Colleagues, Customers and Communities’ initiative has been a fantastic success.

"Since it was first launched last year, £50,000 has been distributed to 26 charities across the North West which is testament to the commitment and support from colleagues in the region.

"It has allowed Cadent customers and colleagues to make a real difference in their local community by nominating and voting for charities which are close to their hearts.

“We’ve seen first-hand what a huge difference this funding can make to local charities, especially after the last 18 months.

"Charities like these play a vital role in in our society and we’re delighted to be able to offer our support to help them continue their great work.”

The Cadent Foundation supports projects that help people living in vulnerable situations and energy poor communities.

More information can be found at www.cadentfoundation.com