MORE than a quarter of a million pounds is to be spent on children’s theatre in the North.

The Arts Council England has awarded New Writing North (NWN), organisers of the Durham Book Festival, £264,674 to deliver three touring productions over the next three years.

Each will be an adaptation of a picture book and will be supported by workshops and family reading days at community venues.

NWN chief executive Claire Malcolm said she was grateful for the funding.

“Research shows that economic inequality is driven by families’ cultural resources, as well as their financial ones, which is why we are so keen to boost cultural opportunities in areas with low provision,” she added.

Jane Tarr, Director North for Arts Council England, said she was delighted at the award.

“I look forward to seeing their new productions and how their partnerships develop,” she added.

Over the last two years, NWN has produced My Granny is a Pirate, an adaptation of Val McDermid’s picture book of the same name, and The Worst Princess, adapted from a picture book by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie.

For more details, visit newwritingnorth.com