EMPIRE Theatre wants more volunteers in its battle to use more of the building and restore its cinema.

The theatre now has regular dance, theatre and singing classes, a new choir class and regular visits from professional touring companies.

The Butler Road venue is also becoming more of a community hub, and is hosting more AGMs, conferences and school performances.

But to sustain the progress, more volunteers are needed, especially as the cinema could reopen later this year.

Spokesman Mike George said: “As a result of the plans to increase the use of the building, we are stretching the current volunteers force, which is why we need more volunteers.

“In addition, and following the fantastic fundraising efforts of Danni Pickering and Craig Smith, we plan to open the cinema this year, putting more demand on the current volunteers who already work very hard.

“We are looking for help on many different fronts including maintenance, marketing support, front of house, manning the bar, stewarding shows and bingo and, of course, selling ice cream and popcorn at the cinema and helping at fund raising events.”

Mr George said one project, beginning on October 22, would be to remove the seating and recarpet the auditorium.

He added: “This is no small task with 272 seats to unscrew, stack, clean and replace once the carpet has been laid. If you can operate a screwdriver you can help.

“We are looking for people with a little, or a lot, of time on their hands to become involved in what is evolving into a real community project.

"Once the carpet is finished we will announce the launch date of the cinema.

“At this stage the infrastructure is there, we have the projector and the final few components for the sound system, all we need now is a little help.”

Call 07947 556501 or e-mail mike@empire-theatre.co.uk to help.