Cornish language work given £500,000 funding boost

Forty primary schools that teach Cornish language will be given financial backing

Cornish language and culture projects have been given a £500,000 funding boost.

The government investment aims to increase Cornish language work in schools, screen industries and help Cornish community groups.

It is part of the Devolution Deal for Cornwall, and the money will also go towards lessons in libraries for families with nursery-aged children.

Money will go to 40 primary schools who teach Cornish, as part of Cornish Go.

The council said it wants to develop new content to build "on the success of Cornish language short films on BBC iPlayer".

'Keep traditions alive'

The community groups will create digital resources to help make learning easier and a major event with Cornish language music and performances.

There will also be support for community groups working with traditional Cornish culture such as Cornish wrestling and Cornish dance as well as educational events for young people.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, said it was "great news" and will "help raise the profile of our distinctive Cornish language, culture and heritage".

She said: "Cornwall is recognised as having a growing creative sector, and this investment will benefit many Cornish organisations and support a wide variety of projects for people to get involved with.

"It will also create opportunities for a new generation of young people to learn skills to keep our traditions alive."

Screen Cornwall managing director Laura Giles said the move will help take steps "towards a stronger and more authentic media representation for Cornwall".

She added: "That will build a vibrant ecosystem for companies and creatives working in the region."