THE EASTGATE Theatre is in the running to secure funding for a programme aimed at enriching the lives of older people throughout Tweeddale - but they need the public’s help.

Eastgate’s Creative Generation project, one of five projects shortlisted for this year’s round of The People’s Projects Awards, aims to take high-quality arts events and performances, creative workshops and classes into rural or remote communities where older people live or meet.

The Creative Generation project is the only shortlisted project based in the Scottish Borders and will hope to emulate previous community work undertaken by the theatre.

The Eastgate’s existing outreach work, mostly based in and around Peebles, has already proved the benefits of a fun dance, music and craft programme.

Creative Generation hopes to reach much further, enriching many more lives and promoting happier, healthier communities across Tweeddale and beyond.

Held annually, the People’s Projects Awards give the public a chance to vote on where National Lottery funding should be distributed to make a difference in local communities.

The People’s Project Awards, run in partnership between The National Lottery Community Fund, The National Lottery, ITV and STV, have awarded around £42 million to 960 good causes across the UK since 2005.

The public can watch a short film made about each project and then cast their votes online, with voting set to close on April 15.

Anyone who wants to vote without going online can request a pre-paid post card from the Eastgate Theatre Box Office.

To vote online, and to find out more about the shortlisted projects, visit www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk/projects/region/border.