A REVAMPED theatre has launched a campaign to make it "a place for everyone".

Darlington Hippodrome is looking to raise around £7,000 to help children in care or at the risk of being taken into care, low-income families, older residents at risk of isolation, and people facing social, physical and mental health challenges experience the theatre.

The aim of the A Place For Everyone project is to remove the barriers to participation for individuals and families within Darlington who may not have the financial means or support networks to visit the Hippodrome and see a show.

The venue's charitable fund, which was originally set up to support the refurbishment of the theatre, will now be used in the form of a crowd funding page to fund around 500 tickets.

Supporters of the initiative include Thirteen Group, Creative Darlington, Darlington Borough Council, Darlington for Culture, Bella Italia and London North Eastern Railway, but organisers are hoping individuals who are fans of the Hippodrome will also donate.

Kate James, fundraising and development manager at the Hippodrome, said: "We're now starting to look at how we can open the building even further and we want the Hippodrome to be that beating cultural heart of Darlington.

"We looked at the barriers that were preventing people from coming to the building, and we'll work with organisations to identify individuals, families, groups that are on the edges of our communities, and help them benefit from a shared cultural experience that they aren't getting."

Lynda Winstanley, theatre director, added: "We're very keen to try and find new ways to engage with diverse communities and particularly reach out to those who might not have the opportunity to enjoy an experience within the theatre.

"Coming to the theatre can be very memorable for people because they can be overwhelmed by the live experience, or sometimes it can inspire people's future aspirations.

"It is very important that theatre remains central to the cultural life of the town – we occupy a significant position on a street on the lead into town so we are very prominent on the way into Darlington and we are a beacon for the arts and culture for Darlington."

The JustGiving page will launch on February 1.