A MAN who has transformed the fortunes of one of the area's leading theatre companies is to take charge of an arts centre in Lincolnshire.

Andrew Rawlinson, currently general manager of the Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company, based at Waterfoot, co-produced the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's hugely successful Pride of East Lancashire gala awards night show in November.

For that special night he brought together leading amateur performers from around the area who performed excerpts from well known musicals.

He will become executive director of the Blackfriars Arts Centre in Boston in April.

In the past three years, Andrew, 31, has established Horse and Bamboo as a company with an international reputation. Using masks and mime, Horse and Bamboo productions receive rave reviews at festivals on the continent and shows also tour the UK.

Andrew said: "I am very proud of what we have achieved here and I am genuinely sorry to be leaving, but this is an opportunity I could not afford to turn down."

Since he took over, Andrew has been successful in getting major Arts Council support for Horse and Bamboo.

"I hope I leave it on a very firm foundation. It is great to think that we are seen around Europe as ambassadors for Rossendale."

Andrew -- who married Emily Bell just after Christmas -- intends to work in Boston during the week and return home to Sharneyford at weekends.

He will continue is his position as vice chairman of Todmorden Amateur Operatic Society.

In his new role he will be responsible for the the entire programme and artistic direction of the arts centre, which also runs three youth theatres and operates education programmes in the community.

Stephen Hall, chairman of the Horse and Bamboo Theatre Company, said: "Andrew has done an outstanding job for us and, since he came on board, the star of Horse and Bamboo has just risen and risen.

"The period has been one of massive progress for the company and it is no coincidence that this has been achieved under Andrew's stewardship. He has committed so much energy, intelligence, drive and imagination to the post that success has inevitably followed."