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Cash has been allocated by the North West Arts Board to fund an Art and Regeneration team to develop a three-year programme of cultural activities in regeneration areas.

In Cheetham a group of eight young people have been recruited to undertake a series of arts workshops with groups including schools, a young women's drop-in centre, a children's home, Asian women and young black carers.

The Cheetham Youth Arts Project drama workshops raised areas of concern relating to ill health and young people in Cheetham which will influence health action initiatives in the area.

In Moston and Lightbowne Radio Regen has worked with MANCAT college to train young people in radio production. People with media experience were recruited and trained to train young people.

Young trainees are recruited from local regeneration areas across the city and will have the opportunity over 14 months to achieve BTEC qualifications and run a temporary radio station.

Now town hall bosses are assessing the benefits of the schemes and considering ways to extend the programme and make schemes more sustainable.

An arts team official explained the initiative intends to help people develop skills, increase individual self confidence and open access to employment and training.