A BID to transform Pershore's arts and community centre has been given a major boost after a 99-year lease was formerly agreed.

Board members of High Street venue Number 8, have been formally granted the lease on the building by Wychavon District and will go ahead with an archaeological dig in October, which will be the first step in creating a new £1.8m arts and community centre.

Over the past seven years the team has raised £800,000 and is now awaiting decisions on several grant applications, including one to the National Lottery's Community Fund.

Board chairman Jane Daniels, said: "Now we have been given the lease we are so confident we will raise the rest of the money that we have decided to carry out the required archaeological dig."

Once the dig has been completed, construction work will start on the multi-function Courtyard Room, which should be ready for use by September 2003.

Work will then begin on a 250-seat auditorium with retractable seating, which is scheduled to be completed by 2004.

The final construction will be the conversion of the front with foyer and caf bar. The charity shop will remain open while the work is carried out and the whole project is set for completion by 2006.

General manager Ray Steadman said: "We already have a large number of groups and clubs using the centre. When the project is completed we will have more facilities than ever that can be enjoyed by the whole community."