A FACELIFT for a dance studio catering for children and young adults from vulnerable backgrounds, has taken a big step forward.

Tin Arts hopes to carry out a £17,900 refurbishment of its dance space in the Framwellgate Moor Community Centre which has been running since the 1990s.

The facility was set up to support people of all ages with a learning disability, autism or additional needs to realise their potential through dance and the wider performing arts.

Now the City of Durham Freemen have given a £500 donation to the cost of the work which includes redecorating and the inclusion of mirrors, along with barres to provide standing support for those unsteady on their feet.

The bulk of the cash has been raised by the community centre with the remaining £2,400 from fundraising by Tin Arts, which has 14 full-time and part-time core staff.

The organisation’s work on the dance space supports children and young adults and a dance theatre company for artists with learning disabilities.

Martin Wilson, the charity’s co-founder and executive director said: “We exist to inspire and enable people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to celebrate their potential through dance and the wider performing arts.

“From our dance space at Framwellgate Moor we reach schools and local community settings across Durham City and County Durham, as well as embracing adults with learning difficulties unable to access mainstream further and higher education opportunities.”

Eric Bulmer, chairman of the wardens of the freemen said: “We are pleased to support a local community-based initiative which provides opportunities for young people and adults with a wide range of learning disabilities to develop movement and co-ordination through music and dance”.

“We would also applaud the staff, many of them volunteers, for their dedication in creating a safe, caring and wonderfully friendly environment for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”