Margate's historic Theatre Royal is one of 13 arts organisations nationwide to be selected as a new partner for The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts.

The Theatre Royal will be working with 700 children in ten selected Thanet schools. Artistic director Will Wollen, said: "This is great recognition for our work in Thanet and we are so pleased to be able to take part.

"Children & the Arts have let us design our own project that is tailor-made for Thanet. This is really about breaking down barriers and making sure that any child, no matter what their circumstance, can have the opportunity to enjoy high-quality professional theatre in their local venue."

The project will see the theatre working with whole year groups from the selected primary, secondary and special schools. As well as attending two professional performances at the theatre, the children will also benefit from workshops led by professional actors and directors, as well as being invited on backstage tours. Teachers will be given a special education pack with classroom activities to enhance the visit.

Mr Wollen added: "What's special about this project is that each school will be allowed to select the show they attend and select the year group it's pitched at. That way they can make sure that the group can see something that may help them with the rest of their curriculum."

The Prince's Foundation for Children & the Arts Start programme provides funding and support to cultural venues so that they can form partnerships with schools in their local area. Through Start children will discover that cultural venues are welcoming, accessible and exciting places to be.

Frank Martin, chief executive at Margate-based Hornby toy manufacturers, said: "Hornby has been proud to support the Theatre Royal for a number of years. This latest development of a partnership with the Start Programme is exactly the sort of initiative that we hoped would take place. We wish the project every success."