THE campaign to fund an exciting expansion plan at Blackburn's newest theatre has got off to a flying start.

Less than a week after it was launched, 19 people have already pledged £1,000 each and become official rogues.

The aim of the Rogues' Gallery Appeal is to raise £150,000 which will be used to restore the balcony at the Thwaites Theatre at Ewood creating an extra 120 seats.

Every rogue will be immortalised on a special plaque at the theatre which was unveiled by Project Director Michael Berry at the weekend.

The first face to appear on the rogues gallery is comedian Ken Dodd who has promised to perform the first show once the balcony work is complete.

Three corporate rogues have also put their names forward and backed the scheme -- the Bowland Theatre Trust, Thwaites Brewery and Hi-Level Maintenance.

Mr Berry said: "What a great start. I only need to find another 101 rogues and them I can retire from fund-raising! Seriously, the amount of interest shown in the campaign is amazing. I think people like the idea because it is different."

The aim is for work to begin in October with the project being completed in January 2005.

The balcony will take the theatre's capacity to 320 and an upstairs bar area is also planned.

It took a 30 year campaign to bring the former Red Brick Theatre back to life with £400,000 being spent on transforming the once dilapidated building.

Now, less than a year after its official opening, the current capacity of 200 is proving too small for a number of shows. More seats will make it possible for the theatre to attract major acts to the area.

Anyone interested in the Rogues' Gallery Appeal can contact Mr Berry on 01254 57663 or 07931 639798.