A successful school arts project has been saved from the threat of being axed after a bulding society stepped in with vital funding.

The Halesowen Networked Learning Community project faced a bleak future when its funding dried up but thousands of children will now be able to enjoy cultural and creative activities.

The Yorkshire Building Society has donated £2,000 to get it back on track and offered to supply flyers and posters advertising events.

Fifteen primary schools along with Halesbury Special School will take part in the project, launched this week with the help of Heart FM DJ Ed James. Students from The Earls High School will also be involved, providing the audio system for the events.

Arts professionals will work with the children in their schools teaching a variety of arts, including circus skills and multi-cultural dance styles, culminating in a carnival-style concert showcasing their efforts in Somers Square in June.

Organiser Peter Hatton said a couple of thousand children were expected to take part in the event.

The project is also planning a carol service at St John's Church, on December 19 for about 500 schoolchildren and a May Day in the town square, featuring maypole, country and square dancing.

"I was delighted that the building society was able to help us. Without their support we would not be able to do any of this," said Mr Hatton, retired headteacher from Our Lady and St Kenelm RC Primary School.

The project was supported by Arts Council funding last year, with the money being distributed by the Black Country School Improvement Partners, but that ran out in June.

Yorkshire Building Society's Halesowen branch manager David Higgins said: "We are delighted to work with Halesowen Networked Learning Community for its programme of school events in 2007.

"Thousands of children now have the opportunity to get involved in cultural, creative events that will see them develop their current skills and learn many more.

"It will also give young people the chance to mix with their peers from other schools and learn about different cultures and lifestyles in a fun and imaginative way."