FILM-makers, photographers, designers and artists are being invited to explore digital art techniques at tailor-made workshops.

The award-winning Signal Film and Media, of Barrow-in-Furness, is launching a new digital arts programme called Lost Stations, drawing on the heritage of the town’s railway lines to inspire people "in dynamic new ways".

Digital artist Sam Meech, lecturer at the Manchester School of Art, is to lead the project and offer inspiration and hands-on experience to the successful applicants.

Sam's work encompasses digital image-making, projection design and machine knitting, and it will be showcased at the public project launch on March 14.

Arts Council England is funding the venture, and Loren Slater, director of Signal Film and Media, said: "It’s going to be fantastic to bring some of the county’s best creative individuals together to explore new processes.

"Cumbria is full of talented people who have rich and wonderful ideas so we're really excited to have been given this funding to support more people to follow their interests. We hope to enable people to go that one step further in exploring what digital art means and in developing their own work. The programme is full of so many opportunities.”

Extra events planned at Signal's base, Cooke's Studios on Abbey Road, are to consist of public talks and masterclasses from world-class artists such as Rachel Maclean, Mishka Henna, photographer Henry Iddon and design studio Marshmallow Laser Feast. Commissioned artists including Felicity Hammond will be unveiling new work inspired by Barrow-in-Furness, and there will be activities open to people of all ages and levels, and for schools and community groups, such as coding sessions, digital photography workshops, film screenings and exhibitions.

Applicants (age 16+) need to apply for the mentoring course before midnight on Wednesday, March 1. Places are free but you must be available to commit fully to the programme of evening and weekend sessions.

To apply online, visit www.signalfilmandmedia.co.uk/loststations. For more help, call 01229-838592 or email kezz@signalfilmandmedia.co.uk