A LOCAL dance company is celebrating after landing £17,006 in lottery money in one the biggest payouts to be allocated to the North West Arts Board via the Regional Arts Lottery Programme.

Dance in Education, which is made up of professional dance specialists, choreographers and freelance performers, has created a family dance project and will tour 59 infant schools across the St Helens borough.

The project, 'Healthy, Safe and Happy', will work with St Helens Health Partnership through Merseyside's Health Action Zone which has targeted children's health and welfare, and produce artistic events and activities to deliver key messages.

Charlie Rowley, North West Arts Board officer, said: "It's great to see awards being made more widely across the region and the diversity of arts projects is also interesting and innovative. If any group from across the region has an idea for a quality art project please contact us to discuss it".

Local groups interested in applying for the Regional Arts Lottery Programme should contact Rachel Williams, lottery administrator, on 0161 827 9233.