A WEST Devon theatre group for adults with learning disabilities has been saved from closure, thanks to a cash boost from the Lloyds TSB Foundation.

The Get Changed Theatre Company was established in 1995 and works throughout the borough raising awareness of the issues faced by disabled people.

But lack of funding meant the group, which has members from the Okehampton and Tavistock areas, was forced to cancel its theatrical work for several months while staff tried to find alternative sources of income.

Vicki Hooper, Get Changed project co-ordinator based at The Leaze in Okehampton, said: ?Just as the group began to lose hope, Lloyds TSB Foundation agreed to support Get Changed with a donation of £10,000.

?This is the largest grant that Get Changed has ever received. The company is delighted, because this will secure the group?s very worthwhile work for the next 12 months.?

The group meets every Wednesday at the Alexander Centre in Tavistock and performs its own work at a wide variety of venues throughout the borough.

Vicki said not only will the grant mean security for Get Changed, it will also mean a change of focus for the group, which is now attracting members from as far away as Plymouth.

She said: ?Members and staff both feel it?s time for a change and intend to target a younger audience by embarking on a totally new project.

?With the help of the money from Lloyds, Get Changed would like to take its work into schools and colleges, using its unique style to inform and educate younger people.?

Vicki said there would always be a need to educate and change people?s attitudes towards disabled people, and she said Get Changed had the experience and ability to play a major role in the area.

She said groundwork and research for the new project has already begun ? and now Get Changed is ready to take the work forward by expanding and taking on an artistic director.

The grant from the Lloyds TSB Foundation was one of the first round of donations by the foundation this year, totalling more than £430,767.

The foundation supports under-funded charities that enable people, especially disadvantaged and disabled people, to play a fuller role in the community.

Rodney Thorne, south west regional manager, said: ?This is our first round of donations in 2003 which will support charities working at grass roots level to improve the lives of people in local communities.

?Our local presence means we can ensure that funding is reaching the areas of greatest social need.?

l Anyone interested in responsibility for the artistic aspects of Get Changed?s work, or who feels they could contribute to the future development of the group and its schools project should call Vicki Hooper on 07879 890895. The group is also looking for a new treasurer.