A new arts organisation in Bromley has been awarded a grant for its 'Local Heroes' project aimed at primary school children.

The project was started by Pakiki Theatre and aims to inspire children by teaching them about some of the borough’s most successful descendants.

These include Orpington's Dina Asher-Smith who won gold at the European Athletics Championships last year and David Bowie who attended Bromley Tech School (now Ravens Wood) in 1958 where he formed his first band.

A grant was awarded to the Pakiki Theatre by the West Wickham Rotary because of their ‘Local Heroes' initiative.

Vickie Holden and Raewyn Thomas, who work for the theatre, received a cheque at a recent ceremony.

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"The idea started with David Bowie's legacy" said Vickie Holden. "We were randomly chatting about him and Raewyn was very proud that he came from Bromley.

"That sparked a conversation about other influential people from the borough and how learning about people and places in their area could help children foster pride in their community and inspire them about what they too could achieve."

'Local Heroes' is an interactive performance designed for Bromley primary schools where children discover more about their heritage.

Co-director Raewyn said: "Many of the people and places featured in our project, such as Dina-Asher Smith's Athletics club, Elfin Cottage where Enid Blyton lived, Darwin's Downe House and the Bowie Bandstand are within five miles of West Wickham and Hayes.

"We're really excited that this Rotary grant will help us take the project to the primary school children in the area."

Raewyn said the theatre's main purpose was to make creative arts inclusive and to reach people with limited access to the arts.

She added: "We also want our shows to reflect the communities that we work in and have a positive impact on them."

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