A THEATRE left reeling earlier this year after being snubbed for a £2m National Lottery grant, has welcomed a change in its financial fortunes.

Harrogate Theatre, which has just celebrated its centenary, has secured a substantial increase in its grant from Yorkshire Arts Board - up from £193,900 last year to £275,000.

Mayor of Harrogate Councillor Bob Nash, a member of the Oxford Street theatre's board, said he was delighted the theatre had been given a bigger grant.

Coun Nash said: "It was a tremendous blow when we failed to secure the £2m through the Arts Council, but it was explained their awards were going to more urban, inner city areas."

Coun Nash said the theatre was now exploring other avenues for grants towards their mammoth task of raising £3m for restoration.

He has set a target of raising up to £40,000 through his Mayor's appeal which will be boosted by a gala ball being held at Rudding Park, Harrogate, on March 9.

The Mayor said there was great determination that, despite its earlier financial setback, the theatre would achieve its aim to enhance and improve the building.

Six years ago the theatre was threatened with closure amid a financial crisis and falling audiences. But following major management changes it is now on a firmer financial footing.

The £3m project will include a range of improvements including new seating, disabled facilities, rewiring, air conditioning and a new heating system.

Coun Nash said: "A lot of hard work has gone into changing the theatre's fortunes over the past few years. We are truly catering for the whole community - and we are regularly being congratulated for what has been achieved.

"The Harrogate Theatre is simply a grand old lady in need of urgent surgery, but we are more determined than ever that the theatre will not close because it has won such popularity."