AN AWARD of three years' funding will help open doors to the arts for young people from the Tredegar area, a charity leader has said.

Kevin Phillips' Cymru Creations group offers free film-making classes to local children. Last year they made headlines after obtaining the rights to adapt a Stephen King book into a film.

Cymru Creations was named the first-ever beneficiary of three-year funding at a recent Grant-Making day organised by Sharon Linnard, the outgoing high sheriff of Gwent.

"I think the arts, sometimes, can be segregated for people who can afford classes," Mr Phillips said as he celebrated the good news.

"Funds like the high sheriff's help young people despite their financial restrictions. All ages and abilities can come and learn all about film, writing, and being in a team."

The Grant-Making day is the culmination of the high sheriff's year in office. Through the Gwent High Sheriff's Community Fund, voluntary groups can apply for a one-year grant.

And at this year's event, held at Monmouth's Bridges Centre, 24 groups gave presentations outlining the work they do to improve their local communities.

Each group performed a two-minute presentation, after which the other groups used a mobile app to give the presentations a mark out of five.

In total, 20 of the groups were successful, but the high sheriff announced every organisation which presented its work on the day would be going home with a £500 grant, ensuring nobody left empty-handed.

Mrs Linnard announced Cymru Creations had won the first-ever three-year grant, following an entertaining presentation by two of its young members.

Mr Phillips said the grant could help bring in another tutor and people to help out.

"We've got a waiting list," he said. "We started off with about 40 people in our group, we're already up to 120 just in the space of 12-14 months.

"This will allow us to strengthen as an organisation and allow our youngsters to keep coming without a financial charge."

Speaking after the event, Mrs Linnard said: “The Gwent High Sheriff’s Community Fund grant-making day has shone a light on the fantastic work being done at a grassroots level to help children and young people across Gwent fulfil their potential.

“The presentations by the groups were truly inspiring and highlighted the dedication and passion of people who give their time and energy to make communities across Gwent a safer and stronger place in which to live.”