THE people of Consett have contributed £15,000 towards the £550,000 refurbishment of County Durham's oldest theatre.

Hundreds of people have donated the money through Friends of the Consett Empire and directly to managers Derwentside Leisure.

Much of the money was given four years ago when the idea of an overhaul of the theatre was first raised.

However, a direct appeal to the public has led to more cash being donated and a total of £15,000 has been received so far.

As The Northern Echo revealed in February, Derwentside District Council, which owns the property, is to spend £500,000 on the Empire, with a further £50,000 coming from National Lottery Agents Northern Arts.

Improvements to the 500-seat theatre will include a new foyer, new roof, disabled access and general refurbishment and redecoration. Money from the friends and the public will be spent on extras.

Sue Fox, of Derwentside Leisure, said: "The response from the public from a town like Consett, which does have economic problems, is absolutely incredible.

"The public are also turning up in droves, with attendance for some shows up by 200 per cent year on year."

Dating from 1885, the Consett Empire is County Durham's oldest theatre with Darlington's Civic Theatre established only in 1907 and other theatres in the area only opening after the Second World War.