WORK is underway on Artrix's 2018 mental health festival, made possible by readers' generous donations during the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

The Slideslow Drive theatre successfully raised the £4,000 target in just seven days, which was then doubled by pledge and champion funds, plus £458 in Gift Aid.

Artrix director Hannah Phillips said: "I would like to say an enormous thank you to all of those who donated and worked so hard towards achieving this target, including our wonderful partners, North Worcestershire Business Leaders, Biz Smart, Open Door Counselling Service and Heart of Worcestershire College.”

Celebrities like Sarah Millican lent their support by recording special video messages, encouraging fans to give generously.

The money will fund a two-year programme to teach young people and the wider community the importance of looking after mental health.

The scheme will include a mental health festival during World Mental Health Week in March, and outreach work with local youngsters.

Hannah added: "This two year project has the potential to positively impact on thousands of local young people engaged in the process, through audience and workshop experiences, and online through mental health campaign engagement.

"We hope this will be the beginning of an annual youth festival programme and will support us in our aim of becoming a centre of excellence for youth engagement and programming.

"We hope to make a genuine difference in the lives and experiences of young people and believe that Artrix and our strategic partners can work together to achieve this."

A spokesman for North Worcestershire Business Leaders, which is supporting the programme, added: "As business owners we have a growing responsibility to look after our staff and recognise the challenges young people face.

"We look forward to watching the project go from strength to strength."