A hampshire arts project, aimed at hard-to-reach young people has received funding of £131,000.

Horizon 20:20, which is led by charity Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT), is an arts project targeted at young people in Hampshire who have either been excluded from mainstream schools or are unable to cope in a traditional learning environment.

The aim of the project is to address inequality of education and improve access to arts within the county by working closely with artists and teachers.

The project uses creative sessions, such as photography, sculpture, music and art, to break cycles of challenging behaviour and address mental health difficulties.

The project was funded for its first four years by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and was due to finish at the end of the summer 2020 school term.

HCT has now, however, been awarded a further £111,000 from Paul Hamlyn Foundation and an additional £20,000 from Garfield Weston Foundation, enabling Horizon 20:20 to continue for another full academic year, from September 2020 to July 2021.

Paul Sapwell, HCT’s chief executive, said: "In the current climate, this generous support from both Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Garfield Weston Foundation to enable Horizon 20:20 to continue for another year is now more important than ever.

"In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and as society rebuilds, it will help us to ensure that our most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people are not left behind."

Since launching in September 2016, Horizon 20:20 has worked with 600 young people, offering regular artist-led sessions, cultural experiences and opportunities to showcase their talents through exhibitions.

Catherine Sutton, head of programme - Education, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, said: "We are delighted to continue to support Horizon 20:20, and look forward to learning more about the positive impact of the programme on pupil’s confidence and wellbeing during this challenging time."