THE people of Consett have contributed a massive £15,000 towards the £550,000 refurbishment of County Durham's oldest theatre.

Hundreds of people have donated the money through Friends of the Consett Empire and directly to managers Derwentside Leisure Ltd.

Much of the money was donated four years ago when the idea of a radical overhaul of the 1885 theatre was first mooted.

But now a direct appeal to the public has led to more cash being donated and a grand total of £15,000 has been received so far.

As the Advertiser revealed in February Derwentside District Council, which owns the property, are to spend £500,000 on the Empire with a further £50,000 coming from National Lottery Agents Northern Arts.

Improvements at the 500-seat theatre will include a new foyer, new roof, disabled access and general refurbishment and redecoration. Money from the Friends and the general public will be spent on extras.

Sue Fox, of Derwentside Leisure Ltd, said: "The response from the public from a town like Consett, which does have economic problems, is absolutely incredible. The public are also turning up in droves with attendance for some shows up by 200 per cent year on year."

The Consett Empire is County Durham's oldest theatre with Darlington's Civic Theatre established only in 1907.

The county's newest theatre, the £14m Gala Theatre at Durham, also a 500-seater, has already had severe financial difficulties despite only opening four months ago.