The New Community Arts Academy was only founded last August but our first public performance, held at Bolton St James's Church Hall in December, was a sell-out.

Our Christmas show marked the debut on stage for many children from the society and was supported by adult performers and special guests drawn from other societies in the area.

The show included popular carols, song and dance routines and comedy sketches, but the main emphasis was on the junior sections.

The show illustrated the progress that had been made by junior members in such a short space of time. The project was also a good example of how links within local communities can be established, with young people being the main beneficiaries.

We would very much like to thank Bolton St James's vicar, the Reverend David Swales, and members of his congregation for their help and support, and Hanson School which kindly offered its facilities free of charge for a show preview.

The academy is based at the church in Bolton Road and we launched it last summer at a family fun event attended by Bradford City player Mark Bower and former City player Paul Bolland. About 50 children signed up for classes there and then, which was a great start.

We offer tuition in drama, dance and singing and also include tuition for children with special needs. I work at Haycliffe Special School and have seen first-hand the difference that getting involved with drama makes to young people with disabilities and learning difficulties - it helps to build confidence, motivation and co-ordination. I'm keen to give children with special needs the opportunity to do something outside school.

The classes are for people with all abilities, aged from three to 103. The aim is to encourage people, especially children, to become involved in arts activities at affordable prices.

We're all pooling our expertise to develop the talents of the next generation, and to provide opportunities for anyone else who wants to get involved in amateur theatre.

We've got a lot of fundraising to do, but we're all very excited about getting it all up and running. We're planning to put on several productions a year and we would welcome anyone who wants to get involved. We are accepting new junior members during the winter term and we would like to hear from any businesses willing to support us.

The group is run by friends who have extensive experience in theatre. We have known each other a long time and we've all been involved in various productions over the years.

Russell and I have both studied dance and drama for diplomas and have held theatre and dance classes for young people for a number of years.

Anne Snowden is a drama tutor who co-runs the New Community Arts Academy in Bradford, with fellow tutor Russell Whittingham. For more information about the academy, which provides lessons in dance, drama and singing for people of all abilities, ring Anne on 0771 6762390 or Russell on 0773 0504347.