BUDDING actors, actresses and musicians are being heard more clearly after a £750 donation from the district council.

Richmondshire’s Youth Theatre is the latest recipient of a grant scheme which supports the district’s small businesses.

The group, based in Richmond, has used the money to buy a new sound system which will mean they can manage performances more easily and take their shows on the road.

This will also mean that they can stage an increased number of workshops and productions.

The groups’s drama tutors Sue Hedges and Tracey Lacey met at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal over 14-years-ago where Sue was a Youth Theatre Tutor and later the Senior Youth Theatre Tutor.

The Small Business Grant Scheme has now closed for applications this year having made another 45 awards totalling £38,000.

It was launched in 2013 to help businesses grow, expand and diversify their services with an average grant of £1,000.

It has supported everything from IT equipment and new websites, to photographs and signage.

Council Leader, Councillor Yvonne Peacock, said: “This scheme offers small grants that can make a big difference to businesses around Richmondshire.

“I am looking forward to see more of the excellent shows produced by this talented group of young people.”