More than a quarter of a million pounds has been awarded to three arts organisations in Colchester.

Firstsite, based at the Minories Gallery, is to receive £70,000 from the Eastern Arts Board - nearly £15,000 more than last year.

The Mercury Theatre, which has been plagued by money troubles in recent years, has been awarded £243,000 and Signals Media Centre is to get £53,000 - a rise of £3,000.

According to the arts board, Firstsite is rapidly gaining itself "a national reputation as an exciting and adventurous centre."

It has also been praised for its "bold approach" to developing and displaying the visual arts.

The number of visitors to the gallery has doubled since 1995 and the management team is hoping to open a second temporary site next year for large exhibits.

A spokeswoman for the gallery said: "Firstsite is delighted to receive such support in recognition of our innovative work.

"It has made a lovely Christmas present and we are now looking forward to presenting some really exciting new projects for Colchester in 1999."

The Mercury's grant is £23,800 higher than last year. A report by the arts board reads: "The uplift is intended to help address the theatre's revenue needs and signals Eastern Art Board's commitment to finding a viable future."

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