A THEATRE'S campaign to make its revamped venue "a place for everyone" has already received hundreds of pounds.

Darlington Hippodrome is looking to raise about £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.

Darlington Hippodrome’s charitable fund, managed by the County Durham Community Foundation, was originally set up to support the refurbishment of the theatre and is now used to support a range of community outreach and education activities.

Since a JustGiving page was launched earlier this month, a fundraising campaign has raised more than £1,100 thanks to keen theatre fans and members of the public, and supporters of the initiative also include Thirteen Group, Creative Darlington, Darlington Borough Council, Darlington for Culture, Bella Italia and London North Eastern Railway.

Speaking before the campaign's launch earlier this year, Lynda Winstanley, theatre director, said: "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 Hippodrome opened its doors following a name change and multi-million pound refurbishment in 2017.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/darlingtonhippodrome.