AN arts company threatened with closure has been thrown a lifeline by the NHS after being selected to use their work to cheer people up.

Jack Drum Arts is one of three organisations in County Durham to be chosen to deliver the health service's Arts on Prescription service.

The three year contract will see the arts company, based at the St Cuthbert's Centre in Crook, run the Colour Your Life programme covering the Durham Dales.

Stacey Taylor, office manager at Jack Drum Arts, said the weekly sessions, the first of which is held today, from 1pm to 6pm, are aimed at early intervention into mental health issues such as stress or depression.

Ms Taylor said: "This is somewhere that they can come and do something different just for them, to allow them to get away from all the stresses in life and just focus on something different."

Jack Drum Arts, which runs youth arts and drama courses had been under threat after several funding pots fell victim to Government cuts.

Doctors can prescribe the course, but anyone in the Durham Dales who thinks they could benefit is also invited to contact Jack Drum Arts on 01388-765002.

The first eight weeks are free taster sessions featuring a variety of arts and crafts while after that it will be by donation.

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) in Newton Aycliffe is leading the project and sessions with artist Lynn Rocks will start with the centre on Friday for the rest of south and east Durham.

Carol Wood from the PCP said: "It's fantastic we have three arts hubs in the county to promote positive well-being and social interaction."

Sessions including a variety of arts and crafts will run from 10am to noon and 12.30pm to 2.30pm every Friday.

For more information on PCP projects telephone 01325-321234.

The north of County Durham will be covered by Leisureworks based in Stanley, who plan to run arts, crafts, drama and dance sessions at the Lamplights Arts Centre starting in the next few weeks.

For more information telephone Martin Weston on 01207-218852.