Schools in Basildon are getting millions of pounds to encourage children's creativity.

Basildon is one of 20 areas in the country to share £70million to develop links between schools and the cultural sector over the next two years.

Council leader Malcolm Buckley said: "The Government has acknowledged that Basildon has pockets of deprivation where our young people need and deserve support.

"We will work with schools, parents, the community and the local education authority to ensure the new Creative Partnerships programme brings real and lasting benefits for young people and that the money is invested wisely."

The partnership will start up in Basildon in December, with school activities to start in September next year.

Published Friday, June 6, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo