THE arts have been hit hard by the public sector spending squeeze in recent years and financial challenges continue to cast a shadow over the future of venues in our region.

It is, therefore, refreshing to be able to report this morning the excellent news that the Globe Theatre in Stockton High Street will be returned to its former glory, thanks to a £4m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Globe once played a highprofile role in North-East entertainment.

A host of household names have performed there, including The Beatles on the night President Kennedy was shot.

The fact that the Grade II-listed, art deco building will now be restored as a live music and comedy venue is tremendous news, not just for the town of Stockton, but for the south of our region.

It is not only a significant boost for the local economy, providing 65 fulltime jobs, but it revives an important piece of heritage at the same time, and that has to be a good use of lottery funding.

Our congratulations go to all those who have worked long and hard behind the scenes to make the project a reality, not least Stockton Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The rebirth of the historic building will be delivered by the Globe Stockton Foundation.

But, to borrow a line from The Beatles, it could not have happened without more than a little help from their friends.