Mahdlo windfall a tonic for harmony

HELEN Taylor (centre) receives Mahdlo’s cheque from Helen Bullough and William Colecliffe.

MAHDLO has scooped a major windfall as part of the National Lottery's 18th anniversary celebrations.

The Reaching Communities programme has awarded £258,042 to Oldham's youth zone for a five-year project to bring young people from neighbourhoods across Oldham together in specialist arts projects.

Mahdlo and Me will aim to develop children's confidence and skills, form links with their peers and break down social barriers – particularly ethnic divisions.

Chief executive of Mahdlo, Helen Taylor, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Support like this makes a huge difference to the activities we can deliver.”

World War II veteran William Colecliffe was selected to present the cheque at a special event at the People's Museum in Manchester.