Schools across East Sussex will be given a share of £3.5 million to forge closer links with the arts and theatre world.

Youngsters will benefit from the handout, which is designed to boost their "creativity, imagination and innovative thinking", the Government said today.

Arts Council England will set up a "creative partnership", linking schools with cultural groups throughout the county.

The idea is to enable working class children to benefit from the trips to the theatre, galleries and museums that middle class families take for granted.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "We have an enormously rich cultural life in this country and school must be a window to this world.

"The Government wants to see young people from all backgrounds have the chance to use their creativity and imagination in a positive way."

The project will get under way in April next year. Nationally, the Government announced £70 million for 20 projects over the next two years.

Arts Council chairman Gerry Robinson said: "Creative Partnerships is a hugely important part of Arts Council England's commitment to creativity and learning in schools."

However, teaching groups said it was "bizarre" the Government was spending £70 million on promoting creativity while schools lacked general funding.

John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, said: "I have always been a strong advocate of developing creativity in schools.

"But it is bizarre that a Government which is currently presiding over the biggest funding crisis for many years should be spending £70 million on the promotion of creativity."