BREAKING down the barriers that make so many people think the arts is not for them is the mission being undertaken by Lighthouse in Poole this year.

The thriving Centre for the Arts is inviting Dorset audiences to take "a creative leap" in 2008 and try something new in the world of arts and entertainment.

Introducing the programme for the coming season, chief executive Alistair Wilkinson says: "Many Dorset people may still think that Lighthouse is not for them. Too stuffy, boring or expensive.

"We are trying to break down those barriers and make it easy to find something that appeals to everyone's tastes and pockets."

And he's backing his pledge with £1 tickets to music events for all school groups.

"It's expensive for schools to organise travel to get to us so we are selling tickets as cheaply as possible to encourage teachers to bring their students to see live music," explains Alistair.

"We have some amazing musicians playing in our concert hall and we really want to get younger audiences to enjoy the live experience.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Please tell every teacher you know!"

Highlights of the forthcoming programme include the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of Malorie Blackman's Noughts and Crosses, Leslie Grantham starring in a new stage production of Dad's Army, the salsa musical The Wedding Dance, and TV mind reader Derren Brown.

There is also top-rate contemporary dance, family theatre and return visits from the ever-popular Moscow City Ballet, the Reduced Shakespeare Company, English Touring Opera, Birmingham Royal Ballet and tribute show Abba Mania.