THE former mill town of Bolton is not normally recognised as one of Britain's cultural hot spots.

But the town's children are to receive a minimum of five hours of art and culture a week after it was chosen as one of only 10 areas in the country to pilot a new £25m government talent search.

Under the Find Your Talent Scheme, every child in the town will receive cultural lessons designed to unlock their creativity.

Bolton is the only area in Greater Manchester to .take part.

The experiences will be held as part of the ordinary school day and as out-of-school activities. They might include attending performances and plays, visiting museums and galleries or learning to play a musical instrument.

Children will also gain experience of film production, television and radio, creative writing, new media and digital art.

The scheme will be launched in Bolton in September.

Initiative

The council has already identified a range of private and public sector partners it will work with to make the initiative work.

They include Bolton University, Bolton Lads and Girls Club and the Halle Orchestra.

Museums and music clubs will also be used.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham, who is also Culture Secretary, said the scheme would `open minds and change young lives'.

He said: "Enjoying and exploring culture and the arts is not a luxury, or an add-on, for young people. It matters in its own right, and can be a way of developing essential life skills like communication and creativity, and contribute to personal development and self-esteem.

"Too many young people still leave school without ever really finding out what they could be good at."

Ed Balls, the Schools and Families Secretary, said: "Giving young people the opportunity to take part in cultural activities will not only enrich their lives - but also help them learn." Youngsters in Bolton will be consulted on how the programme should be developed.

Coun Ismail Ibrahim, who has special responsibility for culture, young people and sport, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be chosen to lead on this exciting and innovative scheme.

"Bolton has a wealth of talent already but we want to make sure that our young people have the best support."