A cash boost from the Sid Vale Association’s Keith Owen Fund will allow FolkWeek organisers to involve more local children in the festivities ahead of this year’s event.

FolkWeek director John Braithwaite, who received the £9,000 cheque from the Reverend Handel Bennett, said he was delighted to have the continued support of the SVA.

He added: “This allows us to extend our schools programme to three local schools, on five sites, and to include pre-festival training activities.

“The pupils are taught professionally how to play musical instruments, folk music and dance.

“We believe that introducing folk traditions to young people is enjoyable, and will sustain the town as a centre for folk tradition for many years to come.”

The SVA has awarded the festival with more than £40,000 over the last six years.