Ludlow theatre's bid to bring history to life

The history of Ludlow's landmark castle will be brought to life by local students following a £22,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.The Castle Connexions project, co-ordinated by Ludlow-based Appletree Theatre, will be run by students from Ludlow School and will see them undertaking roles such as historical researchers at county archives and museums, writing scripts and creating exhibitions.

Jules Woodman, Appletree's artistic director, said: "Although Ludlow has had a castle for many centuries and it is the town's jewel in the crown, many young people don't feel any connection with it.

"Castle Connexions is a project aimed at young people, enabling them to find out more about the history of Ludlow Castle."

Carl Walker, Appletree's technical director, said: "At a time when the arts world funding is being severely hit, it is a major achievement for Appletree to have secured funding for Castle Connexions. We are very grateful to Heritage Lottery, who have enabled this unique opportunity to be created for Ludlow's young people, which should see many of them learning some key life skills along the way."

Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, said: "I am pleased the Heritage Lottery Fund is backing this imaginative creative educational project to bring the history of Ludlow Castle alive."