A PROFESSIONAL theatre group in the New Forest has received part of a £600,000 grant from Hampshire County Council.

Forest Forge Theatre Company, based in Crow Arch Lane, Ringwood, received nearly £43,000 of funding from the council's Culture and Recreation Investment Fund.

In a report about the funds it said: "Forest Forge provides a range of opportunities for around 30,000 Hampshire residents through work that is high quality, innovative and aspirational.

"With the engagement of a new CEO/creative producer role in April 2016, it has developed new models of provision by increasing partnership working with arts centres, schools and museums and targeting other agencies for commissioning possibilities.

"It creates professional theatre for participation projects for audiences with little or no access to theatre and works with older people, children and young people and Romany Traveller communities.

"Funding from Hampshire will enable the organisation to leverage support from other funders."

The theatre company has also applied for a grant of £32,000 from New Forest District Council, £3,500 from parish and town councils and "22,800 various trusts.

It also generates income through a friends scheme, community fundraiser and performance income.

Sharon Lawless, CEO and creative producer at Forest Forge said she was "delighted" to receive the funding.

"Not only will this allow us to continue what we are doing but it will also allow us to expand our programme," she added.

"It's the 35th anniversary of the theatre this year and what a year it has been.

"We have even gone international as a result of some collaborations with Spanish/Mexican dance group and a Norwegian lighting designer. It's been a very exciting year for us and we hope to improve on it next year."

Theatres, art venues, sport and community groups across Hampshire were awarded grants worth more than £600,000 from the council.

Earlier this month Cllr Andrew Gibson approved Culture and Recreation Investment Fund grants to 16 venues worth a total of £586,440 and Community Investment Fund grants to six community groups worth £50,805.

Councillor Gibson said: “These grants make a big difference to Hampshire’s much valued cultural, recreational and community groups. Many people of all ages and walks of life enjoy the activities and events on offer at these local theatres, museums and art venues.

"These grants also support community groups who play such a vital role in local life, often in deprived areas.

"This complements our work supporting the wider economic, cultural and social wellbeing for Hampshire residents and all the benefits that brings.”