A project launched in September, to give children and young people across Swindon and the surrounding area the chance to learn video making, animation, sound recording, photography and web site design, has been acclaimed as an example for similar developments around Britain.

Pax Nindi, of the Arts Council of England which awarded a £136,000 lottery grant to start the Mobile Media Club, said it was the only multi-media project of its kind. "We were impressed that young people would be able to try different kinds of communication media - especially in rural areas. The proposal was well put together and it was clear how its aims would be delivered. "This project is an example which could be developed elsewhere."

Youngsters from Greendown School and Tregoze primary took part in the first workshop before presenting their animation, videos and publishing work to an invited audience.

The £160,000 cost of the project is being met by the lottery, a £5,000 grant from the Swindon Arts Foundation, £10,000 worth of equipment from Intel, and support in kind from Swindon Council.

Twelve year old Greendown student Katie Thomas said she was looking forward to more workshops. "It's going to be great fun for people who want to get into drama and the media."

Jade Balmer, 10, from Tregoze School, said, "it's excellent..I really like the animation, but it takes a long time to make the scenes."

Forty workshops have already been booked in schools and youth clubs in and around Swindon. To find out if there are any places available, contact project director Lou Hamilton on (01793) 463224.