YOUNG people across North Yorkshire are being encouraged to show off their creative talents in a National Lottery-funded project.

The New Opportunities Fund for Out of School Learning has awarded £737,000 to the setting up of The Vibe.

The performing and combined arts initiative will be led by North Yorkshire County Council's Connecting Youth Culture (CYC) project and regional arts agency Get Moving!

The five-year project will involve 39 primary and secondary schools, together with associated youth groups across the county.

Regional, national and international artists will lead activities and workshops in dance, music and drama.

They will combine these with new technology to introduce youngsters to skills in animation, video production, digital photography and music technology.

Paula Greear-Taylor, of CYC, said: "The aim of The Vibe is to motivate and encourage young people to get involved in the performing and combined arts, and to give them the opportunity of working with professional and amateur artists."

The project is looking for artists interested in getting involved. For details, contact Paula Greear-Taylor on (01609) 780780 or Gail Ferrin on 0113 2674863.