YOUNG artists in north and west Wiltshire will be among the first to take part in a new awards programme aimed at generating greater interest in the arts.

Wiltshire is one of 15 counties chosen to pilot the Government- funded Young People's Arts Award Scheme, with Corsham School and the Arc Theatre in Trowbridge getting involved. Teenagers between 14 and 19 will be given the chance to compete for gold and silver awards by completing a number of tasks in relation to the arts.