COUNCIL bosses have hailed the success of a campaign to enhance the cultural aspects of Darlington.

The borough council approved a cultural strategy, Moving Up, in December 2002 and says it is starting to see considerable progress across the town.

Several initiatives have been introduced, but the strategy also reveals plans for the future of Darlington's two main arts, music and drama venues.

Members of the authority's environment scrutiny committee will meet on Thursday.

They will consider the progress expected to be made this year, including plans to upgrade the arts centre, in Vane Terrace, and the Civic Theatre.

Officials were disappointed in March when they received a National Lottery grant for £300,000 - a quarter of the £1.2m they had applied for.

But now, the Northern Rock Foundation has contributed £250,000 and the County Durham Environment Trust £50,000. The council is also spending £110,000.

It means work will be able to start soon on improving access, upgrading the theatre facilities, as well as creating a studio theatre area, and enhancing bars and catering.

Discussions are also under way with the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College to improve access from its site to the Arts Centre.

A bid for funding to the Arts Council North-East is also expected to be submitted in 2005-2006 to support a feasibility study into refurbishing the Civic Theatre.

The council's community services director, Cliff Brown, said: "A key driver for the strategy was to seek investment in existing facilities and assets to maintain and develop their profile within the region, sub-region and nationally."

Councillors will also hear on Thursday about the success of other projects as part of the strategy.

They include the refurbishment of South Park, French and Christingle markets, the appointment of a railway and associated heritage project officer, the creation of a £70,000 mobile skate park and Longfield School's successful bid to become a specialist sports college