A funding lifeline is being celebrated by workers at a Huddersfield-based theatre company.

Dark Horse Theatre lost all its Arts Council funding last year – wrecking its production and touring plans.

But now - after a successful Grants for the Arts bid - a windfall of £75,000 means a special actors’ training course can get under way.

From September, a course titled The Conservatoire will offer new opportunities. For three days a week, an ensemble of learning-disabled actors and students will train and make theatre aimed at hard-to-reach groups.

After working with guest directors and artists, the year will culminate in a symposium of learning.

Dark Horse business director Lynda Hornsby said: “We are unique in the UK in offering actors with learning disabilities the chance to train in the same way all professional actors do.

“This grant ensures this vital part of our work is secured for another year and that actors with learning disabilities continue to be trained in creative industries, giving them equality of opportunity.

“The Conservatoire means we can work with a range of artists, writers and directors to increase opportunities for our actors.”

Dark Horse, which is now looking to recruit actors to train with them from September, is the only theatre company in the UK which produces new writing featuring actors with learning disabilities.

It was previously known as Full Body and The Voice.

Last year’s funding cut means it can’t currently produce and tour its work nationally.

For details about the company, visit: www.darkhorsetheatre.co.uk