THE town's resurgent arts scene has been given another boost after the Citadel was awarded more than £140,000 of funding by the Arts Council England.

The Waterloo Street venue has been given the sum as part of an initiative which aims to support organisations with a limited track record in fundraising to attract more private giving.

A sum of £141,050 has been given to the entertainment premises.

The Citadel is one of 140 projects that will collectively receive a total of £17.5 million through the Catalyst Evolve programme.

The Evolve fund will enable the Citadel to build from individual giving, private sponsorship and private trusts and foundations. Monies raised will be matched by the Evolve fund over a period of three years.

Citadel chief executive Fay Lamb said: “This funding represents a significant opportunity for the Citadel to create a step change in diversifying its income base and helping us develop successful and sustainable fundraising models for the future.

"Investing in the Citadel also further demonstrated Arts Council England's commitment to St Helens which really is investment ready in terms of its arts and cultural offer."

Matt Hancock, minister of state for digital and culture added: "British art and culture is among the best in the world, we want to see it thrive.

"That means continued public funding, which is a critical underpinning. And it means increased philanthropic and private investment has a vital role to play in their continued success.

"Catalyst Evolve uses public investment to attract more private funding, meaning we all get more bang for our taxpayer buck.

“I am delighted that Catalyst Evolve will help these fantastic projects to develop resilient, sustainable fundraising models.”