Hertfordshire Library Service has been awarded £49,999 from the National Lottery for an arts project.

The grant from Arts Council England Lottery Project Grants will be used to build on a previous project backed by the body.

My Story, which launched in 2019, took true stories from Hertfordshire people and interpreted them in art forms for the whole community to enjoy.

Hertfordshire Libraries has worked with local arts organisation Nysa Projects to develop the proposal which will employ local artists to engage with young people.

Participants will be provided with the opportunity to develop their creativity working alongside professional artists to produce artwork and events hosted in libraries.

Terry Douris, executive member for education, libraries and localism at Hertfordshire County Council said: "I am delighted that Hertfordshire has been awarded funding from Arts Council England in order to develop the cultural offering for our residents.

"The Library Service worked closely with local arts organisations to submit the successful bid, and the funding will allow them to put into action the many things learnt from the Hertfordshire Year of Culture 2020.

"There is no doubt culture and creativity play an important role in mental health and wellbeing, and I am so pleased the grant will provide opportunities for residents to engage with the arts as well as support a range of local artists, many of whom will have been badly affected by the current pandemic."

The project will also enable Hertfordshire Libraries to develop an Artist in Residence programme, offering local artists the opportunity to work in libraries to give Hertfordshire residents the chance to explore art and take part in workshops.

My Story will also enable libraries to offer sessions as part of Arts on Prescription - using art as therapy to help fight social isolation and support wellbeing.

Workshops will include creative writing, music, film, event production and painting to produce work inspired by stories from the people of Hertfordshire.

The project will begin as an online offer with workshops broadcast live online and later programmed as a series of Creator Days hosted in Libraries.

The National Lottery Project Grants support arts, museums and libraries to engage people in England with creativity and culture.