BRADFORD actor Liam Bairstow - who is used to gracing the Corrie cobbles - was among the performers helping to launch the new Square Chapel Arts Centre in Halifax.

Liam, who plays Alex Warner in Britain's favourite soap, Coronation Street, was one of nine learning-disabled performers, also including Jez Colborne (lead artist of Bradford-based Mind the Gap's Irresistable, Gift and Trickster who has written original music and lyrics for the show, appearing in the critically acclaimed show Contained.

The show, performed last Thursday and Friday as part of the National Volunteers Week, is part of the Gig Buddies initiative in Calderdale.

Gig Buddies is addressing the barriers that prevent people with learning disability accessing local arts and entertainment.

'Contained' presents nine interwoven true stories about 'family and friendships, love and loss, the everyday and the extraordinary' through live performance, film, photography, music and dance.

It was performed as part of the opening celebrations of the newly developed Square Chapel which opened its doors to the public last Thursday following a £6.6 million transformation creating a new extension and improved facilities including an intimate multi-purpose auditorium for performances, film screenings and workshops.

For more information about what's coming up at the Square Chapel visit squarechapel.co.uk