LOCAL library users will get the chance to develop their creative talents and work alongside leading artists thanks to a boost of almost £100,000 from Arts Council England.

As part of the three-year Creative Residences Programme, North Yorkshire County Council’s library services will see 24 artists based in eight libraries across the area as they work with members of the community on various projects.

Carl Clayton, libraries relationship manager at Arts Council England, said: “This is an ambitious programme with a clear vision, offering participants a broad range of artistic activities with which they can engage.”

The initiative comes from the Skipton-based library project Rewind! which won the national Libraries Change Lives Award last year. In the project, youngsters worked alongside a professional musician to fundraise and organise their own gigs.

During the first year of the creative residencies programme, artists will work in Eastfield, near Scarborough, and Ingleton, in Craven, before coming to Pickering and the surrounding areas in the second and third years.

Alongside the help of a professional artist, visitors to the libraries in the new year will explore their artistic flair and will also be given a chance to learn more about digital technology and creative media.

The award of £99,693 from the Grants for the Arts Libraries Fund, will enable the library service to work with other partners including the county council’s Youth Support Service, North Yorkshire Music Action Zone, community organisations and town and parish councils.