A new youth theatre project called Act and Reflect researching is to launch in Otley this September.

Starting in September, the 12-week project will be led by experienced youth theatre practitioners from the University of Leeds in conjunction with Otley 2030. It aims to give a voice to young people aged 13-16 via the arts so they can express their opinions on how climate change is affecting them and the world around them.

Andrew from Otley 2030 said: "We are very excited to launch this project with the University of Leeds. We have just held a taster session at Prince Henry's Grammar School and it was inspiring to see how enthusiastic the young people are".

The sessions will take place at Otley Methodist Church, which will hopefully be Otley Common by September, on evenings after school. The programme will finish in December with a public performance where local politicians will be invited to view the students’ theatre work.

Dr Matthew Elliott is leading the project for the University of Leeds and has extensive experience in youth theatre work in the UK and abroad, is also an Otley resident.

He said: “As an Otley resident I’m passionate about giving local young people the chance to use theatre to express themselves and hopefully this pilot programme leads to the establishment of a youth theatre group in the town.”

If you or your child is interested in signing up or would like information, then email hello@otley2030.com