LUCKY North West arts organisations were today celebrating a multi-million pound windfall from the Arts Lottery Fund.

The Irwell Sculpture Trail Partnership, which includes part of Rossendale, will get a record £2.3 million for public art.

And Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne, will receive £17,566 as part of a £5.7 million payout in the North West.

Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre will have £3.2 million, while Art Space Merseyside will get £82,758 to help young graduates sell their work, and the Merseyside-based Open Eye gallery will receive £99,500 to develop new premises in Liverpool city centre.

Pendle Hippodrome's cash will go towards roof repairs, a new electrical supply, and the purchase of a stage lighting console.

The money will help the theatre continue to host amateur drama and choral groups.

"This grant is total joy for us," said spokesman Brian Bird.

"It will enable us to do the three projects that have been on the cards for a long time. We didn't have the money before this grant."

Nick Chapman, North West Arts Board's touring officer, said it was encouraging to see smaller grant applications receiving lottery attention.

"We welcome this grant as it will enable the theatre to make improvements it desperately needs to continue providing its popular service in the rea."

The Irwell sculpture Trail Partnership, which includes Lancashire County Council and Rossendale Council, plans a trail with 50 art works stretching 30 miles along the valley from Central Manchester to the Pennines.

The work will involve 33 artists, three graduate design competitions and six community projects. Artists will work with schools and the local community.

Partnership spokesman Tony Trehy said the trail would allow people to "actually engage in the process of art in public places."

Aileen McEvoy, director of visual arts with the North West Arts Board, said the trail's award was the largest so far for public art.

"This major award is an endorsement of the importance of artists working together in public spaces and in response to environmental changes.

"The sculpture trail is a way of encouraging people to use their landscaped area, open countryside and urban areas."

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