A PUBLIC art project, a community play and an audio trail are among the cultural activities planned for Poole High Street, thanks to an £80,000 grant.

The town is one of more than 60 in the UK to secure a share of the £6 million, through the programme led by Historic England in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, BCP Council portfolio holder for culture said: “The cultural programme aims to make our high streets more attractive and engaging places for people to live, work and spend time."

Poole’s programme will focus on sharing the stories of the town and its trade links with Newfoundland, Canada, says BCP Council.

Council officials say these links were an important part of Poole’s maritime heritage that helped shape the High Street.

The three-year initiative will explore the heritage and history of Poole High Street with local communities having opportunities to share stories.

Cll Iyengar said: "We’re delighted that Poole has been awarded this funding.

"The impact of this scheme will provide benefits to enliven the town, for residents and visitors, that will last beyond the timespan of the project."

A variety of exciting events and installations are being planned including the creation of a community suite of music, a public art project, production of a community play and an audio trail.

Lighthouse, Poole Museum and Soundstorm Music Education Agency will work together with CoCreate, Arts2Educate, and Angel Exit Theatre on the programme.

Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson said: “The high street cultural programme is a step change in the way we think about bringing high streets back from the brink.

"As we start to see these important historic spaces become regenerated through building work, it is the community-led cultural work that helps people to enjoy their high street again and also have a say in what the future of their high street might be."

Artist Freya Gabie will be working with local people on 'All Fired Up', a ceramics-based project.

Her artist residency in Poole will run September 6-17, with ceramics workshops exploring the town's connection to the ceramics industry.