A YOUTH theatre company is vowing to stay positive despite funding cuts.

Burnley Youth Theatre has become the latest victim of Government’s cutbacks, and has lost 10 per cent of its Arts Council funding, amounting to thousands of pounds.

The theatre works with around 450 young people aged from five to 25 every week and targets some of the area’s most vulner-able children through outreach projects, school visits, workshops and productions.

But drama workshop leader Philip Hindle, 41, said the challenge to maintain community programmes would encourage them to ‘think even more creatively about raising funds’.

He said: “We are a charitable organisation with charitable status with no direct funding.

“We are responsible for raising our own money through donations and membership. We apply for every funding pot going.

“It costs about £300 a day to keep the building in operation.

"We feel the work we do is crucial and are adamant this won’t affect our programmes.

“With outreach projects in Burnley Wood, Daneshouse and Stoneyholme, it is lovely to see young people given a voice to express themselves in a creative, safe and structured environment.

“Hypothetically this cut could mean a reduction in the things we can offer.

“Yes, it is tough, but rather than complain bitterly, we are facing this to get out of this mess.”

Mr Hindle said they ran on ‘donations’ of £2 per session, £20 per term and £50 a year, but that young people who cannot afford that were not excluded.

He said the theatre would try its utmost to maintain as small a donation fee as possible.

Events such as fun runs, discos and sponsored sleepovers are planned.

To get involved or help with fundraising call the theatre on 01282 427767.