MALVERN'S Festival Theatre has a new lighting desk thanks to fundraising efforts by supporters.

Malvern Theatre Association last week handed over a £8,000 cheque and Frank and Mari Blackwell and friends have contributed a further £1,154.

Mrs Blackwell said: "Fundrais-ing for a new lighting desk has been a special project which chief executive Nic Lloyd has asked us to undertake. This large sum has been raised through numerous mini-markets, coffee mornings and plant sales in the area."

Actor Tony Britton, star of Hobson's Choice, handed over the cheque.

He is a particular friend of the theatre and visited the town in October as guest at a party for MTA volunteers.