CHRISTMAS has come early for The Pound Art Centre in Corsham.

The centre has been granted £5,000 of National Lottery money through the Awards for All Scheme, which supports community projects.

The money will be used to subsidise up to 40 young people to learn how to create their own 3D animation films.

Centre director, Gale Curry, said: "We are thrilled to get this award.

"It means that so many more young people can become involved and we hope to be able to show the finished work in schools and libraries."

The club is just one of many worthwhile projects in Wiltshire to get help from the scheme

Altogether £23,590 has been awarded to clubs in the county including Chippenham Sea Cadets, Broughton Gifford and Holt Youthwork Project and the West Wiltshire Hockey Club.

Acting Senior Awards Officer, Eli Lowman, said: "Awards for All is designed for groups with an income of under £15,000 and we are particularly keen to hear from groups in the south west who haven't applied before.

"A good application which meets our criteria stands a real chance of success."

Groups interested in applying can get more information at www.awardsforall.org.uk or by calling 0845 600 2040.