A THEATRE will team up with a national charity in a bid to help more than 2,500 young people with additional needs and disabilities.

The Mercury Theatre has received an undisclosed grant from Action for Children which will extend its creative learning and talent programme ‘Make It’ for another year.

Among the activities on offer are after school drama clubs, school holiday activities and a monthly night club/scratch night - which gives performers the chance to try out new material.

The Aspire Share Create youth theatre will also be available for youngsters aged between 14 and 18 with an Autism spectrum condition. All programmes on offer aim to build confidence and skills, in a supportive environment where young people can make new friends.

Martin Russell, head of creative learning and talent, said: “Being able to deliver more activities at a subsidised rate means that we are able to reach more young people than ever before. We hope to bring the quality and magic that people have come to expect from our shows to our wide-ranging delivery for young people across Colchester.”