HALTON'S flagship arts venue has won an award for outstanding service to young people with disabilities.

The Kitemark Award was given to The Brindley from Halton Speak Out, an advocacy group  for young people with disabilities, after representatives reviewed the facilities earlier this year.

They praised the accessibility and signage at the venue, as well as the helfpulness of the staff.

Halton Cllr Phil Harris, board member for the arts, said: "It is always good to get an accolade such as this from users of The Brindley.

"We do strive to accommodate people with disabilities.

"We have special signed and audio described performances at the panto and relaxed shows with less lights and effect, for people with autism.

"Our staff are trained to be courteous and help people get as much as possible out of the arts."

The Brindley has won a number of awards over its 10-year history.

These include:

•Award for technical excellence in architectural technology 2008

•Best performance venue – Mersey Partnership Tourism Awards 2008

•Best arts project in the UK – National Lottery Awards 2007

•National clean air award 2006

•ADAPT ‘excellence in access’ award – Access for Disabled People to Arts Premises Today 2005

•Centre vision civic trust award 2005

•Royal Institute of British Architects architectural award 2004

•Kitemark award for disability access and friendliness 2013 (The Ella Performance Group)

Many high class disability performing arts and theatre groups have performed at The Brindley which has helped show people what can be achieved.