A SIX-YEAR partnership between arts and businesses in Darlington has helped to invest more than £900,000 into projects in the two sectors.

The Sponsors Club for Arts and Business has celebrated the success at an awards ceremony for its New Partners Scheme, which was launched in 2000.

Corus Group and Darlington Arts Centre's Myles Meehan Gallery teamed up to launch an exhibition by five women sculptors working with steel.

Wendy Scott, visual and public art officer for the gallery, said: "The generous support from Arts and Business and The Corus Group provided Myles Meehan Gallery with the opportunity to commission new work by five outstanding sculptors with the added value of a significant accompanying exhibition catalogue for our regional and national audiences."

Another successful partnership involved Darlington Building Society helping the arts centre to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The building society also helped to create a drama project, working with a professional theatre group called Kaos, for young people in the town.

The two partnerships both picked up Arts and Business New Partners Scheme awards.

Councillor Lee Vasey, cabinet member for leisure services, said: "I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of Darlington Borough Council.

"I would like to thank Darlington Building Society and Corus for their tremendous support of the arts in Darlington and look forward to creating more positive developments with them in the future."