Cultural Community Partnerships (CCP), which operates leisure facilities on behalf of East Northamptonshire Council, has received grants totalling more than £215,000 to fund a three-year Arts Meets Environment Festival programme.

The scheme is targeted at young people in the rural area of Rockingham Forest and has received £151,000 from the England Leader + Programme and a further £65,000 from the Big Lottery Young People’s Fund.

“We are thrilled to receive this money which will address the needs of young people in and around the Rockingham Forest area,” said Craig McAteer, chief executive of CCP.

“The Arts Meets Environment Festival will encourage participation and inclusion of young people in rural areas who may be disadvantaged due to factors such as transport difficulties, lack of training facilities and low income.”

The programme will be delivered by CCP in partnership with East Northamptonshire Council, Millennium Volunteers, Youth Service, Connexions, the Forestry Commission, Northamptonshire Open Studios and Rockingham Forest Trust. Details: www.culturalcommunitypartnerships.org.uk