A £5,000 grant has been awarded to stage a summer school in Blackburn and Darwen.

The South Asian Arts and Cultural Association has been awarded the money by the National Awards for All scheme and the summer school will run in July and August 2000.

Performers, students, amateurs and the community will be invited to take part in a series of master classes, workshops and displays celebrating South Asian Arts and Music.

The Millennium Festival Awards for All scheme aims to help local community and voluntary groups fund projects which involve people in their own community and brings them together to enjoy arts, sport and heritage.

Carl Hutton, millennium co-ordinator for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "I am delighted the scheme has provided the funds necessary for the South Asian Summer School.

"The aim of the Millennium Festival Awards for All grants is to assist local communities in celebrating and marking the new millennium.

Asif Iqbal, the project co-ordinator for the association, said: "We are extremely pleased that our bid for funding has been successful, without it the summer school would not have taken place."

Awards of between £500 and £5,000 are still available to small community and voluntary groups from the fund.

Information packs can be obtained by calling 0845 600 20 40. Completed applications should be received by June 2000.

For further information contact Carl or Sheila at the Millennium Office, West Park Lodge, Blackburn, BB2 6DG or telephone 01254 682000.

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