SIR Cliff Richard has given his backing to the £11m restoration project for the Royal Hall Theatre in Harrogate.

In a letter of support to the restoration trust, he recalls appearing there when he was a fledgling performer almost 45 years ago.

He took to the stage in July 1959 along with the Drifters, the Bachelors, the Rockets and Wee Willie Harris. Among other famous stars appearing at the Royal Hall were the Beatles.

In a message of support to the trust, which is pledged to raise £1m towards restoring the hall to its former glory, Sir Cliff says: "It was a great evening. I am sorry to learn about the problems faced by this lovely old building, but it's encouraging to hear that the restoration programme is going well and that within a couple of years the Royal Hall should be restored to its original splendour."

Sir Cliff says he looks forward to hearing that the Royal Hall has been reopened again - for established artists and those just starting out on their careers.

There has also been backing for the appeal by singing star Lesley Garrett.

She says the Royal Hall has a special place in her affections, being where she performed in the Harrogate International Festival.

"That was in the very early days of my singing career. It is a lovely, gracious building and I'm sure it will be much better still once the restoration programme is complete and it is returned to its original glory," says Ms Garrett, wishing the project "complete success."

The Royal Hall has been closed for several months following a major ceiling collapse.

Earlier, the theatre's upper circle had been closed to the public.

Its centenary is celebrated on June 20 with a gala banquet and concert at the Majestic Hotel.

In 2000 major structural problems were discovered at the Royal Hall. Its steel support beams were found to be badly corroded and there was serious decay in its concrete.

The National Heritage Lottery Fund has already pledged £7m towards restoration of the Grade II* listed building with other funding bodies waiting in the wings.

* Tommy Steele has sent a note of encouragement to a North Yorkshire society's production of a show he helped to make famous.

He has written to Harrogate Operatic Players which presents Half a Sixpence at Harrogate Theatre from June 24-28.

Steele starred in the show 40 years ago and went on to make his name in the film, having originally emerged as a rock 'n roll hero from Bermondsey in London.

Signing himself Artie - his nickname in the show in which he played Arthur Kipps - he praises the society for its choice. "What a lovely thing to do! Half a Sixpence is some 40 years old, which gives you some idea of how old I am," writes the 67-year-old who keeps himself fit by playing squash.

His letter adds: "I wish I could be there to celebrate, but I can't. I'll be thinking of you all, scene by scene, song by song. Have a great evening, it's a great show. Yours Tommy Steele (Artie)."