WYRE'S newest arts venue successfully launched its community programme with a gala night for locals.

Thornton Little Theatre celebrated its new start in community Arts with a free show starring pupils from three Wyre schools, Fleetwood Youth Theatre Group and Lancashire storyteller Taffy Thomas.

The 200-seater former lecture hall at Four Lane Ends, Thornton, was filled with proud parents, friends and Thornton residents -- many of whom were experiencing the theatre's £350,000 improvements, including tiered seating and sound and lighting systems, for the first time.

And despite the new heating system 'going off' in the afternoon, leaving a colder than normal auditorium, the audience gave the show a rousing applause.

The evening began with a lantern procession by pupils of Stanah Primary School from Thornton's Marsh Mill to the Little Theatre.

Around 30 pupils then performed a well-rehearsed series of songs about friendship and belonging. Fleetwood Youth Theatre Group followed with a spoof nativity. Then Fleetwood High School entertained with an extract from their Mother Goose panto and saxophone duets.

The show also starred Blackpool school of samba Poco Loco, performing for the first time in a Wyre venue, Hodgson High School Band, and professional storyteller Taffy Thomas.

The community launch coincided with the forming of a new support group, Friends of Thornton Little Theatre, which hopes to form a committee and begin thinking about programming for the theatre over the coming weeks.

Wyre Borough Council's arts and events officer, Ian Lamond, said: "I'm really pleased with how the launch has gone. There's so much talent in Wyre. I remember performing here as a child when it was the lecture hall, and to see the state the theatre is in now is a real joy."

For more details of the theatre or events log on to www.t-l-t.co.uk or telephone 858529.