BORDON’S Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre has been awarded a £12,240 grant by Hampshire County Council to help it to continue its work with vulnerable groups.

The theatre involves vulnerable people in the arts through activities like theatre, a music festival, outdoor performances and community events. The council’s executive member for culture, recreation and countryside Andrew Gibson has awarded more than £142,000 of grant funding to two theatre groups and a playing fields organisation - the Phoenix, the Live Theatre in Winchester and the Hampshire Playing Fields Association.

Mr Gibson said: “The grants will help these organisations continue to engage with local residents through cultural and community activities, including vulnerable groups.

“People of all ages and backgrounds can experience a wide range of benefits including learning lifelong skills, boosting their mental and physical wellbeing and feeling more connected to their communities.”