TWO East Yorkshire schools are stepping into the limelight with a £75,000 Government grant to boost performing arts, it was revealed today.

Pocklington Montessori School and Woldgate School in the town have been given the cash boost, which is the second highest awarded in the country, from the Department for Education and Skills.

Kevin Allen, head of performing and creative arts at Woldgate, sent a partnership bid from both schools to Schools Minister David Miliband to secure the money.

Both schools are renowned for their excellence in performing arts. Teachers from the schools will initially brain-storm ideas for music and dance projects and will work closely with West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

Rosie Pressland, Principal of Pocklington Montessori, said: "For each and every child at Montessori and young person at Woldgate, the sky's the limit."

The grant will enable the schools to spend money on resources including portable staging and lighting, recording equipment, costumes and PA systems.

The cash will also allow them to hire theatrical venues such as Oak House, Pocklington's Civic Arts Centre and pay for visits by pupils to West Yorkshire Playhouse. There will also be master classes for teachers

Updated: 10:58 Friday, June 20, 2003