A Hucknall based dance and theatre group has received a £2500 community grant.

Believe Academy, based on Portland Road, whose members starred in Hucknall's Christmas Light Switch On event, has received the money from local Councillors Dave Shaw and Lee Waters.

The money has been donated through Nottinghamshire County Council's Councillor's Divisional Fund. It will go towards a new dancefloor and other costs associated with running the academy.

The Academy also goes into schools to deliver a life skills programme to Year 5 and 6 students to prepare them and their parents for the journey of adolescence and transitioning to secondary school. The programme is making a huge difference to the lives of the young people.

The group aim to help people build confidence and self-belief through dance and musical theatre. Their students include tots, aged 3, right through to pensioners who love their rock and waltz classes for the over 60s.

Councillors Shaw and Waters were delighted to support the organisation and visited founder Simone Witherden, her teaching team, and students, to present them with their cheques.

Simone said: "There's something amazing that happens here on Portland Road. Our teachers and mentors help with all ages. We are passionate about music and dance and the confidence it instils for life in people.

"Covid was obviously a struggle like it was for everyone – but we're coming out of it now and plan to be bigger and help more people. We were delighted to perform at the Hucknall Christmas Lights Switch On – we are a community based organisation who help our community thrive. We'd like to thank Councillors Shaw and Waters for the generous donations to our cause. It will go towards helping Hucknall people."

Councillor Dave Shaw said: "Simone and the team at the Believe Academy do an amazing job for all ages. I am delighted to back the team to continue the excellent work they do for the Hucknall community. This is just one organisation your Hucknall Ashfield Independent County Councillors are pleased to support."

Councillor Lee Waters said: "I saw the performance from the Academy at our Lights Switch On and they were amazing. My 6-year-old son was left mesmerised by them – as was the whole Hucknall community. They are a credit to Hucknall and we hope our small contribution can go a big way to helping them continue the positive difference they make to Hucknall."