STUDIO Theatre in Salisbury has received a welcome boost to help fund its much-needed extension.

Building work has already started on the extension at the theatre which is located in Ashley Road.

Salisbury City Council awarded the theatre a £5,000 grant as part of the City Grants Fund scheme.

Hugh Abel, who is a Studio Theatre executive committee member and extension project team leader, said: "Studio Theatre was very pleased to receive a grant from Salisbury City Grants fund. It will be used to help with the building of the theatre's extension.

"This will expand the facilities for community drama available in the city and South Wiltshire."

About £50,000 still needs to be raised for the £250,000 project.

Jackie Pilkington, of Studio Theatre, added: "Studio Theatre has been providing the residents of Salisbury and beyond with theatrical excellence for all ages for years.

"The theatre itself is also used by community and youth groups and is in dire need of expansion. To that end, a new extension is being built, providing rehearsal space, dressing rooms, a scenery dock and store rooms for furniture, costumes and props.

"In the last year, the building work has been progressing in leaps and bounds; the ground work, the steel work, the outer walls and under floor have all been completed and the last lap is now in sight.

"Fundraising has been progressing apace and the theatre has been given generous grants by charitable foundations, businesses and individuals.

Anyone who wishes to donate is asked to contact Jackie by emailing jackie@pilk.co.uk

Celebrate Voice, the award-winning music festival in the city, was also awarded a grant of £5,000.

The event's founder and artistic director, Lynsey Docherty, said: ‘‘Celebrate Voice is delighted to receive an award in 2018 from the City Grants Fund. This year, more than ever, we need to celebrate Salisbury as an attractive, vibrant, cultural epicentre of the South West, with first-class artistic and musical events.

"This grant will support in particular our popular community programme, and enable us, through a wider marketing strategy, to be a significant contributor in rebuilding Salisbury as a remarkable place to live and visit."

This year's Celebrate Voice runs from October 25 until November 3.