A STAGE group which is set to put on a performance of Singin' In The Rain at the Albert Halls next month has been awarded £8,350.

Imagine! Productions was handed the cash from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

It will use the money to purchase projection equipment and a sound system, boosting the quality of its productions, many of which will be staged at the Albert Halls, on Victoria Square, Bolton.

Andy Vitolo, director of Imagine!, said: "We are overwhelmed and extremely grateful for the grant. The state of the art sound equipment purchased will have a great impact on the quality and scope of Singin in the Rain's technical ability and of all future shows that we will be bringing to the Albert Halls.

"It will take Imagine! Production onto a completely different level above the majority of North-west based Musical Theatre companies."

Singin in the Rain will run from Tuesday February 4 to 8 at the Albert Halls.

The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, funded by Littlewoods Football Pools and Vernons Football Pools, provides grants for the benefit of sport and the arts both amateur and professional.

Suzanne Judge, spokeswoman for Littlewoods Pools said: "We are delighted that the money has provided a projector and sound equipment which will bring additional enjoyment to audiences watching Singin in the Rain and subsequent musical productions in the Bolton area."