THEATRE staff are investigating a possible royal connection with the piano they have acquired.

Bosses at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, believe the Bechstein they are using, which has stood unplayed for years in the city's town hall, could have belonged to Queen Victoria.

The piano bears an inscription in German which says the firm was "by appointment to the Royal family'' and had manufactured pianos exclusively for British Royals, including Queen Victoria, the Princess Royal, Princess Louise and the Duke of Edinburgh.

It means the instrument, which is half-way between a baby and a grand piano, could be worth about £45,000,

Theatre marketing manager Ed Tutty said: "The signs are that it was made for the Royal Family. Not a lot of people would have been able to afford an instrument like this 150 years ago.

"It had been in the main hall of the town hall for years. Everyone at the city council says it has been there for years. It wasn't being used so we asked if we could use it.

"We are looking into the archives to see how it might have ended up in Durham. It would be nice to know its history.

"It is a nice contrast between this 21st Century theatre and a 19th Century piano.''

The piano's woodwork has been restored and there are plans to re-string it next year.

The theatre said it would save on the cost of hiring a piano for concerts and would be a delight for musicians to play.

The theatre boasts the latest in acoustic design and tiered seating that can be taken down to create a flat floor.