TURNPIKE Community Theatre has received a £4,500 grant from the Art's Council's second and final round of Lottery awards.

The grant, awarded under the Arts for Everyone Express Scheme, is to fund a commissioned play and workshops from writer/director Eileen Murphy.

Eileen was a member of the Pit Prop Theatre Company for which she acted, directed and wrote - many people will remember her "Pit Brow Stir".

She also co-ordinated the script for the community play "Twice Around the Turnpike" performed in 1984 in Leigh. That venture led to the establishment of Turnpike Community Theatre, including some members of the founding production.

Eileen has also directed for the M6 Theatre Company and written for Action Transport and Theatre Foundry. Her most recent work has been with the Octagon Theatre in Bolton and Manchester's Library Theatre.

Turnpike's overjoyed deputy chair Gill David said::"We are delighted with the news and grateful to most supportive referees.

"It is always difficult to find a play for community groups because of the age range and numbers involved.

"Now the group can give their own hard-working writers a well earned rest and enjoy working with the commisioned play which will be performed early next summer."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.