THOUSANDS of youngsters will continue to benefit from a drama project based at the Octagon if the cash -strapped theatre is saved.

Theatre chiefs say their youth and community work is a valuable part of the rescue package to go before arts chiefs.

Fears had been raised about the future of the activ8 project if the theatre was forced to undertake a cost-cutting drive in the wake of any deal.

But Board Chairman Barry Wood said the 35,000 people who come into contact with the project every year should not fear.

He said activ8, which runs the youth theatre, forges links with community groups and works with the Bolton education department, is a vital part of the Octagon's future. He said: "We see activ8 as an integral part of our programme of work over the next couple of years.

"We place a great deal of value on their work and are hoping to strengthen its links with the theatre."

The project is based at the Octagon, which drums up independent funding from a variety of sources to pay for it and allows arts workers use of theatre facilities.

Schools and Bolton youth service use it to address issues such as bullying and racism. Education and arts chief Cllr Don Eastwood said drama has proved an invaluable way of reaching young people.

Youth service boss Silvija Crook added: "We have been very pleased with the collaborative work we have done with the Octagon.

"Drama is an important vehicle for raising issues and achieving our some of our objectives."

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