A unique arts project aimed at young people who attend small rural schools has received a funding boost from West Devon Borough Council.

The Aune Head Arts, 'Musical Map' project will encourage pupils from Princetown, Shaugh Prior and one other local school, to create sound and music pieces inspired by their local landscape.

By giving children the opportunity to be creative and experience their environment first hand it is hoped they will not only create works of sound art but will learn more about Dartmoor's natural flora and fauna.

The 'Musical Map' project will use a variety of mediums to create the body of work.

Production of maps showing the locations and areas which inspired individual pieces of work is planned, along with an interactive social networking site which will enable the students to communicate their thoughts, post images and share ideas throughout the project.

The musical performance and production is set to be the culmination of the group's hard work.

The Aune Head Arts project works to enrich the quality of life and learning in rural communities by encouraging excellence in the arts.

They have a well-established reputation for building relationships through artist-led creative projects and residencies, and have worked on Dartmoor for almost ten years. They can be contacted on [email protected]">[email protected]/dartmoor/projects

Cllr Robert Sampson, chairman of West Devon Borough Council's environment and community committee, said: 'The diverse group of local art projects that the council is funding is exciting.

'These public funds are truly supporting meaningful projects for artists and communities. The arts are alive and well in West Devon.'

West Devon Borough Council runs a number of grant schemes, including community projects, village halls, sports development, arts, economic development and regeneration, all of which are a great help to rural communities who want to maintain, improve or bring new facilities into their area.

For more information on these schemes contact the council's countryside and community projects officer, Rob Sekula, on 01822 813701 or email [email protected]">[email protected]