CHAMPAGNE corks were popping at one of North Yorkshire's historic theatres, despite the latest setback.

Chairman of the trustees Lady Crathorne led a topping-out ceremony at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond, attended by representatives from all the partners who are involved in the £1.4m restoration.

Town mayor Stuart Parsons paid tribute to the people behind the project.

He said: "The building will be bigger, better and more beautiful but, in essence, will remain the same."

The development has not been without its problems.

The work on the foundations was more complex than expected, driving up the cost by £300,000 and putting work five month's behind schedule.

Harrogate-based builders W G Birch were the subject of a buy-out and Walter Thompson had to take up where the firm left off, adding to the delay.

Then thieves spoilt the party when they broke into the site and stole builders' tools. But the mood at the ceremony, to mark to completion of the external building work, was upbeat as the first drinks were served in what will be the theatre's new bar.

Coun Parsons said: "The physical restoration is phase one but perhaps phase two is even more important.

"The next stage is to develop the theatre in education so every child in every Richmond school will visit the building to see a production at least once during their school career."