Town is chosen for £25m scheme

Telford was today picked by the Government as one of Britain's top 10 areas for fostering young talent.

Youngsters in the town will be able to take advantage of a £25 million Find Your Talent programme being piloted in 10 areas around the country.

The scheme will give young people the chance to enjoy a range of experiences for a guaranteed five hours a week from September.

It will be run by a partnership led by Telford & Wrekin Council which aims to help bright sparks discover and develop their skills in everything from performing on stage to film-making.

In time, the Government wants all young people to have the right to experience five hours of arts and culture every week.

Culture Secretary Andy Burnham said: "Find Your Talent is a truly exciting initiative that could open minds and change young lives. Enjoying and exploring culture and the arts is not a luxury, or an add-on, for young people.

"Too many young people still leave school without ever really finding out what they could be good at - the things that could be the basis of a fulfilling life."

He added: "We were impressed by not only the clear vision which underpinned Telford & Wrekin Council's application but also the very real determination to put this into practice.

"What shone through was their commitment to making a real difference to the lives of young people."