YOUNG performers in County Durham are teaming up with professional artists to create pieces of work.

Six groups have successfully bid for grants from the Elements Youth Theatres New Commissions Fund and received a total of £12,000.

They will work on films, live music, scripts and dance.

Elements projects officer Jessica Bell said: "The standard of all the applications was high and we look forward to seeing how the commissions and the groups develop over the coming months.

"We hope the experience of commissioning for many groups will lead them to develop ideas beyond this grant scheme."

Elements is the County Durham drama initiative that aims to create opportunities for work and to find practical ways to help drama and theatre flourish in the county.

The groups involved are: Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, Cotherstone School Drama Group, Acting Up at Shotton Hall School, Lilt at Sedgefield Community College, Cheveley Park Drama Group and JackAss and Turrets Youth Theatre.

Assault Events Management will support and advise the groups in developing, delivering and evaluating their projects.

Elements is funded by The Regional Lottery Programme, Arts Council of England, Durham County Council and district councils.