THEATRE and heritage enthusiasts are being given a last chance to see behind the scenes of an iconic venue before it closes for refurbishment.

Darlington Civic Theatre is due to close at the end of next month to reopen in autumn 2017 after an extensive refurbishment and a rebrand to become Darlington Hippodrome.

The last two special Heritage Tours of the venue will take place on May 3 and 23 to enable visitors a final glimpse of the historic theatre before the refurbishment begins.

Participants will gain access to technical areas and dressing rooms, and parts of the building rumoured to be haunted.

The tours start at 6pm and tickets cost £5 from the Box Office on 01325-486555.