A PERFORMING arts academy which teaches dance, drama and singing to young people will be starting two new classes for young creatives.

Darlington Academy of Performing Arts (DAPA) said they are hoping to spark some creativity in children in the area with their two new classes, Baby Stars for ages one to three and Pre-School for ages three to five.

Paul and Joanne Mason started the company in the hope of bringing their 25 years of experience to young performers.

Currently they run three weekly classes for three to 16 year-olds from Humerknott Academy and have hosted annual performances and holiday workshops with their students.

The pair are now hoping their new classes will help build creativity in early learners in the town.

They said: "With the constant reports of cutbacks, the creative arts subjects are slowly being squeezed out of schools.

"We believe that Performing Arts should be accessible to everyone, so we keep our session costs low and welcome everyone, confident or shy, beginners or experienced performers.

"We are especially looking for those who just love to perform and have fun.

"Over the next year our next step is to help local schools by offering our services which will include free workshops for the school students."

Classes are £8 per two hour session for those aged six to 16 and £4 per session for infants aged three to six. DAPA Baby Stars will be £3 per session.

More information about all available classes can be found at dapaonline.co.uk