A CREATIVE project is celebrating after getting a £1 million cash boost to support art and creativity in east Durham.

East Durham Creates, which won the grant from Arts Council England, was first established in 2014 and has already engaged more than 22,000 people in a range of events and activities.

Nikki Locke, head of East Durham Creates, said: “It’s fantastic news for east Durham that Arts Council England is providing the investment for this project to continue.

“Since 2014 we’ve tested lots of different things and our journey so far has been exciting, insightful, humbling and rewarding.

“We’d like to especially thank local residents who have made this project their own and are undoubtedly the reason why we have further support.

“We can’t wait to see what East Durham will create in the next three years.”

Since its formation, East Durham Creates has commissioned six world-class musicians, artists and performers to create works.

Recent events have included a performance by New York-based musicians So Percussion, who composed a new work inspired by the people and landscapes of Seaham, and VoiceOver, a project which took place in Horden, linking residents’ homes through an interactive chain of light and sound.

The family-focused Pirates of Crimdon Dene event saw around 2,500 people explore the coastal area of Crimdon Dene, with a pirate-themed arts trail, activities and performances.

More details are available at www.eastdurhamcreates.co.uk or contact 0191-518 5073.