TURNER Sims in Southampton has been selected by the Prince of Wales as a venue for his arts and kids foundation.

The concert hall is one of the 21 across the UK to be chosen to deliver a plan to give more than 11,500 children the chance to get to know their local concert hall, orchestra or gallery in the next year.

The Turner Sims is one of only three venues selected from the south-east region and the only venue from Hampshire.

The funding allows the Turner Sims to create "The Complete Concert Project".

This pioneering initiative will give more than 1,000 young people in five schools in the Winchester district the opportunity to enjoy visits from musicians, learn about how a concert happens and visit the Concert Hall for special performances during the year.

"The support of Arts & Kids means that we will be able to make a real difference to the lives of the children we are working with, many of whom have had little opportunity to experience the arts," explained Kevin Appleby, concert hall manager.

"At the same time it is great news for us that the outreach work we undertake is being acknowledged at a national level."

Prince Charles, President of The Prince of Wales Arts & Kids Foundation said; "Every child, whatever his or her circumstances, should have the chance to experience the artistic excellence of our cultural heritage, the very best of dance, theatre, opera and music, our museums and galleries, art and literature."

Other venues selected from the south- east region are the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.