Boost for drama provision is possible for youngsters in South Tyneside with the help of the Hays Travel Foundation.

Young people are given stage to shine with an after school drama club at Jarrow School. This is part of a three-year project funded by the foundation, which awarded the Customs House £17,230 to set it up.

The club is to provide pupils with the chance to develop their theatre and performance skills, put them into practice in shows, and earn nationally-recognised Arts Award qualifications in the process.

The school’s head of Year Seven, Amy Crompton, said: “Jarrow School is delighted to be working with the Customs House on such a worthwhile project for our students, who are enjoying the opportunity of working with outside agencies. A huge thank you must also go to Hays Travel Foundation, which is responsible for funding this venture.”

Deputy director for learning and participation at the Customs House, Fiona Martin, said: “We are thrilled to be working with these talented young people from Jarrow School and are excited to see them perform.”

Future plans include participation in 2018 National theatre Connections, future recruitment for the club and links with the senior section of the Customs House Youth Theatre.

Hays Travel Foundation trustee David Fleetwood said: “The application we received from the Customs House was a very exciting and different proposal, which exactly matched our objectives and the board of trustees was delighted to support it. “We hope this project will help the students develop their self-confidence, their aspiration to succeed and learn new skills in a different but enjoyable way and hopefully enhance their life chances as a result.”