A crowdfunding campaign has brought in nearly £2,500 in two months to help underprivileged young people in Ipswich to harness their creative talent.

The drive was started by Cad Taylor at Ipswich Community Media and the proceeds will be spent on dance, music and theatre lessons for teenagers at the South Street Studio, just off Norwich Road.

Cad said the aim was to “break the barriers to participation”.

She added: “Quite often I come across some extra ordinary natural talents and it breaks my heart to think this wont get nurtured or developed, because the families of these young people perhaps cannot support them to go to dance, music or theatre classes.”

The fundraiser was launched as part of Cad’s South Street Media project for 13-19-year-olds, including ‘unaccompanied asylum seekers’ - children who arrive in Suffolk from other countries with no one to take care of them.

The money has already been earmarked for two of these boys to have regular violin and piano tuition.

Cad added: “We are over the moon that people from all over the region have been so generous and that we can now get started with lessons.”

The cash will also help Adrian, a Roma boy from the Norwich Road, to develop his talent.

Cad said: “He has been repeatedly asking for piano lessons, his family are sadly currently not in a position to support this.”

Anyone who would like to donate can still do so by emailing cad@ipswichcm.org.uk or telephoning 01473852552.