AN arts charity that is fighting for survival after losing £60,000 in 12 months is hoping to secure funding from the People’s Lottery when it goes head to head with another organisation.

Saltburn Community and Arts Association (SCAA) is hoping to win almost £50,000 to help to refurbish the town’s theatre and install modern sound and lighting equipment.

The Saltburn Theatre Magical Transformation bid will be screened on ITV on Wednesday (November 27), when members will be appealing for support to fulfill their ambitions.

Philip Thomson, who is the acting treasurer of the charity, said: “This bid is really important to us as we need to redevelop the theatre to ensure that we can continue to use it on a regular basis.”

Acting chairman Veronica Boland urged members of the group to support the bid.

She said: “As we look around us, we can see that there is much work that needs to be done to the fabric of the buildings.

"The hall is in a state of disrepair. The theatre has particular need for support, given the unacceptable state of some dressing rooms and the condition of the seating in the auditorium. This will be a key part in the SCAA Recover Plan.

“A bid for Peoples Millions has been made by SCAA's Arts Development Officer. This bid is for £50,000 and seeks to acquire £30,000 of that for new equipment and refurbishment. All members are asked to give this bid their support as it is a great opportunity for the theatre.”

At the SCAA annual meeting last week, it was revealed that the charity's accounts were incomplete and that the Charity Commission had warned one board member about making inappropriate payments to a company he owns.

Angry trustees called for a police investigation to be launched after it was revealed that board member Peter Neal's company was involved in £3,500 worth of payments.

Next week, the charity is up against the Royal Voluntary Service’s Men in the Workshop project will provide social opportunities for older men in rural communities, to help prevent isolation and keep people active and connected to their communities.

Voting lines open at 9am on Wednesday and close at midnight. To support the Saltburn bid visit www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/2013-finalists/tyne-tees/saltburn-theatre-magical-transformation where the number will be revealed.