A YOUTH centre in East Howe has received a £25,000 grant to help improve its performing arts offering for youngsters.

The funding received from the Talbot Village Trust to improve Aim Central, which is run by AIM Community and formerly known as East Howe Youth Centre, has enabled new equipment to be purchased for young people to use for music, animation and film activities.

A large part of the funding is also going towards a new dancefloor and tiered seating in the dance and drama studio, which is set to be installed later in the spring.

Richard Newland of AIM Community said the donation has been a welcome increase to the AIM Arts Academy programme for young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Money has also been spent on improving the centre’s community café, including new furniture and café equipment, to transform it into an age-appropriate and safe meeting space for young people.

Their parents can also meet in the café to chat with others, while their children can enjoy a new library and reading area.

Mr Newland added: “The donation that we have received from the Talbot Village Trust has already made a huge impact on the work that we are able to do with people of all ages.

“Many of the young people that we work with often face complex challenges in their daily lives, and the extra equipment and resources that this grant has made available allows us to provide long-term and hugely beneficial support to them.”

Talbot Village Trust trustee Russell Lucas-Rowe said: “The trust is incredibly passionate about helping the next generation to boost their skills and reach their full potential, which we feel is supported by AIM Community.

“We want to donate our funding to local community projects and charitable causes which are valued by residents in the area and which offer a service which they could not imagine living without.”