STUDENTS from the Dorcan Performing Arts group have been given a £15,000 boost thanks to a Swindon-based company.

The funding has come from pharmaceutical firm Patheon in Covingham.

The grant is part of Swindon's Public Art Scheme.

The group, which is now in its sixth year, offers free tuition in dance, music, song and drama to 80 teenagers.

It relies on local businesses to help fund the productions it puts on every year.

Its next production, the newly- commissioned Top Hats and Rails, is being performed at Dorcan Technology College on June 22 and 23 at 7pm.

Last week the group took part in a special performance to mark the Brunel 200 celebrations at the school.