SIX art organisations in Lancaster have been singled out for a £2.5 million cash injection. The Folly, the Dukes, Nuffield, Storey, Lit Fest and Ludus will share the Arts Council grant over the next three years.

Last year funding amounted to £571,800 but the new three-year programme will boost this to £905,636 by 2005/6.

Lancaster and Wyre MP Hilton Dawson says: "Lancaster is becoming a popular place to live because of the quality of life here. It is tremendously important that the Arts Council is giving such backing to the city."