SIGNAL Film and Media has landed a three-year grant from an eminent arts funder.

The work of the Barrow-based set-up has been recognised by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, which has offered a grant of £124,695 over three years. The funding will enable the company to further develop its work supporting local people to learn creative digital skills and to link people and communities through creative projects. Signal works with many community partners and with people of all ages and abilities who will all benefit from the grant through participating in projects and free training courses.

Signal is a charitable organisation which offers a year-round programme of high quality film, media and arts activities from its Abbey Road base at Cooke’s Studios, a new £2million creative media and arts centre, which houses edit suites, training rooms and a 60-seat cinema.

Since 2001 the team has provided a unique resource for people of all ages and backgrounds to access free facilities, professional tutoring and hands-on experience in creative digital media.

Signal director Loren Slater said they were thrilled to have the support of the foundation, which looks at community development in groundbreaking and innovative ways.

She added: “It’s great that we have been able to attract new resources to Barrow that mean we can give young people and the wider community the chance to learn and explore opportunities with the latest creative media. Access to digital skills and technology is essential in all areas of modern life and learning through creative projects is shown to be an inspiring way not only to gain essential skills but also to raise aspirations and increase self-confidence.”

For further information visit www.signalfilmandmedia.co.uk.