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Young people in Dukinfield and Stalybridge are being offered free drama lessons on Friday nights.

For the past six months Dukinfield and Stalybridge Neighbourhood Policing Team PCSO Joanna Sutton and performing arts graduate Jenni Spangler have been running TALENT, a drama club for 11 to 16-year-olds.

The club meets every Friday evening at Astley Sports College, Yew Tree Lane, Dukinfield, SK16 5BL between 6pm and 7pm.

PCSO Sutton said: “We have worked hard to set up the drama lessons so that the young people can develop skills through performing arts that they can use throughout their lives.

“Drama can develop communication skills and creative thinking as well as help build confidence and empathy with others through imagined and role play situations.

“In addition to helping develop self esteem the lessons provide a positive activity for young people to attend on Friday evenings rather then hanging about on the streets and becoming involved in anti social behaviour.

“They also have the added benefit of allowing young people to meet a member of their neighbourhood policing team. Police officers can often appear intimidating to younger people and this gives them the chance to talk to them in a relaxed environment.”

New Charter Housing Trust Group, Greater Manchester Police and Dukinfield and Stalybridge Assembly have provided funding for the drama lessons.

If you have a local policing issue you can contact the Tameside East Policing Team on tel: 0161 856 9511