NUMBER 8 community and arts centre is set today receive a £100,000 cheque from Pershore Town Council towards the cost of refurbishing its building.

The first stages of extensive building work costing £1.2m will begin on July 28. The current offices of the charitable company will be totally revamped providing the town with a unique auditorium able to cater for theatre groups, business conferences, community activities and film screenings.

Number 8 managing director Ray Steadman said: "We are very excited about the project. This is what we have been working towards for the past eight years."

He continued: "We are obviously extremely grateful to Pershore Town Council for the substantial contribution they have made. It is quite a big venture and involves the demolition of two thirds of the current building"

The new centre will house a full orchestra pit and extensive theatre facilities including lighting equipment, retractable seating and new dressing rooms. Pershore Operatics and Dramatics Society will be the resident company at the new building but other touring groups and companies will be encouraged to perform there.

Number 8 has raised £600,000 through sales in their charity shop over the years and further contributions have been made from other sources including Severn Waste Environmental Fund and a £50,000 donation from a private charitable trust.

The building work is due to be completed in June 2004.