Teddington's Landmark Arts Centre has been awarded an amazing £31,326 in the second round of grants from the government's Cultural Recovery Fund.

This new funding will help the Centre cover some of its £13,000-per-month operating costs, at a time when most of its usual activities and events are not able to take place due to the national lockdown.

The Culture Recovery Fund, managed by Arts Council England, aims to support organisations to transition from the national lockdown back to full reopening after June 21.

Other local organisations being helped by the fund include The Globe Players at Hampton Hill and Strawberry Hill House Trust

Responding to the news, Arts Centre Manager Lesley Bossine said: "We are absolutely delighted that we have been given this second grant by the government.

"It gives us valuable breathing space to ensure that we can gradually transition from being closed and only able to offer limited online activity, to fully reopening at the end of June.

"Our first Cultural Recovery Grant ended on March 31st, so this news couldn't have come at a better time for the team as we navigate the next few months."

She added: "We know how much people want to get back to live events and so we are working on a range of smaller, one-off events from May 17th to June 21st where we can welcome back the local community safely.

"Some of these events will be very different from what people may expect from the Landmark, so we will also be seeking community feedback and ideas to shape our future activities in autumn 2021 and beyond.

"This new grant will support us in trying some new things and engaging with our community in a new way."

Earlier this year the Centre was awarded a grant of £7,000 from the fund which helped it fund urgent repairs.

The charity is also being supported by fundraising efforts from residents due to the loss of income from cancelled events.

Its fundraising campaign is still going and you can donate on its website HERE