FYLDE Folk Festival promises to be one of the best yet -- thanks to a last-minute cash injection of more than £3,500.

A Local Heritage Initiative Grant is to go towards helping stage the popular three-day event which will feature original songs, stories and music reflecting the everyday life of the fishing, tourism, and industrial communities of the area in the last century.

It will be held in various venues across Fleetwood, including the Marine Hall and the North Euston Hotel on August 31 and September 1 and 2.

The Thornton Cleveleys Brass Band, The Fleetwood Choral Society and The Alan Bell Band, duo Shows of Hands and Ron Bailey are among the artistes returning due to popular demand.

It will also feature newcomers Chris While & Julie Mathews, The Phil Beer Band and many others.

The Local Heritage Initiative is run by the Countryside Agency with funding of £8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £1million from the Nationwide Building Society.

Susannah England, the Countryside Agency's local heritage initiative advisor for the North West, said: "With the full support of the local council and the Fleetwood Maritime Museum, as well as local schools and experts such as local historians, folklorists and sound engineers, the festival should be a really high quality event which will draw audiences from near and far."

For tickets or further information about the festival call the festival office on 872317 or Ann Green on (01772) 683027.

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre is also celebrating a cash windfall. The Regional Arts Lottery Programme has awarded a grant of £41,000 to draw more young people into the theatre through the commission of an interactive play and multi-media techniques in production.

Performance will be utilised and a thematic holiday workshop programme developed, allowing young people to work with artists and visiting companies.