OVER 40 young people from Abergavenny will be treading the boards from this month in a bid to boost community spirit and cultural understanding.

The group is joining a visiting African theatre group for a nine-week project starting this month.

It's a joint initiative organised by Melin Homes, Charter Housing Association and Communities First.

The Grassroots Theatre Company from Zimbabwe is leading the project involving the the 8 - 16 year olds who are residents of the two associations and the local authority.

Free weekly workshops will be held in Abergavenny covering drama, games, dance, story telling, singing, music and art culminating in a performance for family and friends on the last day at Deri View School.

The young people will take part in a grand finale performance at the Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport.

They will be joined by groups from Newport and Abersychan who will also be working with Grassroots.

The project has been funded by the Arts Council for Wales, the Big Lottery Fund and Communities First with donations from Melin Homes and Charter Housing Association.

Call 08453 101 102 for more information.