A town centre theatre has received a boost from the Dorset Performing Arts Fund.

The Lyric Theatre in Bridport, Barrack Street, has received £5,000, one of six projects to benefit from the Dorset Community Foundation managed fund, established by local philanthropist Alasdair Warren to fund the delivery of performing art projects across Dorset.

The grant will help support the planning for a community puppet show. A series of workshops and master classes will be led by professional artists, with the resulting performance involving community participants of all ages and abilities.

The project aims to bring the community together and develop new performing art skills.

Mr Warren said: “Working with the foundation and the expert grants panel, we’ve focused on projects which enrich community life, reach inclusive audiences, support original and collaborative work and celebrate emerging local talent.

“As a next step, the fund will also provide support to individual performing artists.”