THEATRE staff are celebrating a bumper year with record numbers of people attending performances.

Audience numbers at the Town Hall Theatre in Hartlepool, which is run by Hartlepool Borough Council, soared by a fifth in the 12 months to the end of November to a total of almost 22,000.

The number of people using the theatre, covering audiences, performers and groups such as dance schools and music and stage societies, jumped by a quarter to more than 37,500.

Colin Reid, the council's arts and museums officer, said: "We're absolutely delighted by the theatre's performance over the past year.

"We work extremely hard to secure some of the best acts around and to put together a programme which is as diverse as it is entertaining.

"The theatre has never been busier, and for the coming Spring and Summer season, we've lined up a record 34 professional theatre or musical performances, as well as 48 non-professional performances such as those by dance, music and theatre school groups in Hartlepool.

"The theatre remains heavily in demand by many local groups, with community bookings stretching well into 2005."

Apart from entertainment, the theatre is also regularly used by the National Blood Service for blood donor sessions, and also for karate classes.

Details of the theatre's spring programme are available in the free What's On brochure available from many public buildings in the town including Hartlepool Art Gallery and Tourist Information Centre in Church Square. Alternatively there is a mailing list available by contacting (01429) 890000.