A TROUBLED arts centre has been hailed a success after record ticket sales

The £9.5m National Lottery-funded Arc, in Stockton, closed in 2001 after only two years because of debts.

Many thought the Dovecot Street centre, which re-opened in September after it was granted £400,000 annual running costs from Stockton Borough Council and the Arts Council, would fail again.

The venue has confounded sceptics after it was used by almost as many people in its first season as managers predicted for the year.

Figures show the venue sold 73 per cent of seats for shows in the first season, and 83 per cent for the Christmas Show.

The Arc, owned by a consortium of local people including businessmen, educationalists and art groups, was used by 41,500 people from September to January.

People using the facility included audiences for theatre, music and comedy events, students on arts and drama courses, community groups and members of local organisations such as schools, colleges and arts and crafts groups.

Director Kevin Parker said: "We want to break down barriers and give a sense of ownership to the people. A good example of that is the exhibitions which we give over to the community."

Critics of the original Arc team said it failed because of obscure programming, poor marketing and an unsuitable location.

Entertainers coming to the venue include writer John Mortimer, comedian Sean Hughes, jazz musician Humphrey Lyttelton, comedian Dara O'Briain and poet John Cooper Clarke.

For a guide to what is on, call (01642) 525199.