AN arts group dedicated to developing international talent has been given a chance to rebuild its future thanks to the gift of a two-year period of free rent.

The Octopus Collective, a sound art and new music organisation, was granted the deal by Barrow Borough Council after a unanimous decision by the executive committee.

The group will now be able to use a grant in excess of £100,000 from the Arts Council to renovate Piel View House, in Barrow Park, which has been its home for the past six years.

Co-founder of the group, Andrew Deakin, said: "The building is an important part of Barrow's heritage, but it is an old Victorian house meaning that the heating doesn't work in the winter and the electricity sometimes conks out.

"With this agreement, we can now transform the building and make it fit for the 21st century."

The Collective, which was formed by Mr Deakin, Glenn Boulter and John Hall seven years ago is known for hosting its Full of Noises festival which welcomes artists from across the globe to perform in the Furness region.

The weekend display has been put on every two years since 2009, with last year's event embracing talent from across Europe and even Japan.

Councillor Helen Wall, who was present at the meeting, praised the Octopus Collective for the work that they've done in the town.

She said: "We want to keep them here in Barrow, they give our kids such a fresh perspective on life and present them with lots of new opportunities.

"People come from all over the world for their festivals which bring so much positivity to the town.

"We don't get enough Arts Council money outside of London but the grant they will receive will go into making that house fit for purpose.

"By improving our music and arts scene we can make Barrow known for more than just deprivation and submarines."

The group started its life as a trio by hosting gigs in a former canteen building close to a submarine manufacturing plant in the town's shipyard.

Since then, it has moved to its home in Barrow Park and now offers workshops to schools in the Furness region as well as support for emerging talent.

Barrovian musicians such as Tom Scott and Pete Dent are just two of the names who have benefited from the Octopus Collective.

You can visit the Octopus Collective's website here .

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