A CHARITY that supports arts and culture across Test Valley has been awarded £7,000 to support its work.

Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF), which has been showcasing arts and culture in Test Valley for 30 years, received the fund from Test Valley Borough Council.

The grant is expected to support the foundation and enable it to continue its work.

This TVBC funding is in addition to £12,500 it received from Hampshire County Council, and a further £2,500 support from an anonymous donor.

READ MORE: Andover Carnival celebrating turning 100 with July event

Yinnon Ezra MBE, chairman of TVAF, said ''Given Test Valley Borough Council set up the Foundation 30 plus years ago and we have probably brought in over half a million pounds for arts and culture including setting up Chapel Arts Studios, the council’s support is a real vote of confidence in our work. Hopefully, we can continue for another 30 years.”

The funding allows Test Valley Arts Foundation to have a presence this year at several key outdoor events, such as The Romsey Show, Trout n About, The Museum of Army Flying Wheels and Wings, village fetes and more.

The local community event organisers had missed TVAF’s presence last year.

SEE ALSO: Best pictures from protest outside Southern Water plant

TVAF brings arts to life with storytellers and artists who engage with the community and particularly children.

There are also plans to have artists in residence in Romsey Library and King John's House.

These venues have had the benefit of such support in the past from TVAF. Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North said: “I am pleased to release funding to TVAF to ensure that everyone in our local communities has access to the arts at venues and events throughout the borough this year. This one-off funding from TVBC will also aid TVAF in undertaking a strategic review in 2024/25.”