Two north-east communities have gained a boost from a UK scheme designed to impose financial penalties on criminals.
Theatre Modo was forced to shut down programmes for youngsters in Fraserburgh and Mintlaw last year when funding dried up.
It meant that dozens of youngsters from both communities missed out on the group’s popular circus workshops.
Towards the end of the initiative in the towns, Modo staff were working on a voluntary basis.
But last night, they were celebrating the news that money taken from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act would be reinvested into the community.
Cashback for Communities, which pools together the money taken from offenders, awarded Modo £9,000 – enough to run Mintlaw and Fraserburgh programmes until the end of October.
Martin Danziger, Modo’s creative director, said: “It’s great to be able to come back in Fraserburgh and Mintlaw.
“We’ve had lots of young people coming and inquiring about it since we left and it’s great timing because people taking part now will be able to take part in the biggest event of the year – Aden-een.”
This show, at Mintlaw’s Aden Country Park is one of the largest events in the Buchan calendar and is organised by the circus troupe.
Mr Danziger added: “The money will cover transport and equipment. There are a lot of people who really enjoy what we do and there are people who may be struggling to find their place in other groups, who maybe can’t afford other things or fit in.
“For those people, we find a really useful activity that they can enjoy and be good at.
“It’s all free and you don’t need to book. People can literally just turn up and take part.”
Programmes will run on Tuesdays at Fraserburgh Academy and Wednesdays at Mintlaw Academy.