THEATRE staff are celebrating the news that their building has won a national award.

The £1.4m restoration of the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond has won it the Building Conservation Award from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

It won praise for the 'sympathetic and detailed approach to the restoration of a unique landmark.' The project consisted of the authentic restoration of the existing theatre building, the demolition of an extension built in 1963 and the construction of a new extension, providing bar, toilets, actors' changing rooms and community meeting areas.

As a result of this restoration, the theatre is now largely as conceived when constructed in 1788.

Chairman of the judges Simon Pott said: "This is a truly stunning building. What we can see today captures all the character of the eighteenth century while embracing the needs of the twenty-first century, thus ensuring its future survival for all to enjoy."

Theatre manager Vaughn Curtis said everyone at the theatre was delighted with the award.

He said: "It is a tribute to the work that so many people have done and an indication of the importance of the theatre internationally and nationally as well as regionally."

The announcement was made at a gala ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London and the award was presented by Kevin McCloud of Channel 4's Grand Designs.