A NORTH-EAST music venue has been named as one of the UK's ten most accessible venues.
The Georgian Theatre in Stockton, which is run by Teesside music charity Tees Music Alliance, was named in the top ten in a report by Rough Guides on behalf of Motability.
Paul Burns, chief executive officer at Tees Music Alliance, said he was "delighted" at the listing.
He said: "We’re absolutely delighted to be named alongside some very high profile venues on this list – but it’s still unthinkable that in the 21 st Century, customers with a disability feel that they aren’t able to participate in one of society’s most accepted forms of entertainment – going to a gig with their mates."
Mandy Winter, who regularly attends The Georgian Theatre with her autistic daughter and severe learning disabilities, said: "We've been to all kinds of events and I no longer feel concerned when she is doing her quirky little things because I know that it's a 'safe' place and most people are quite understanding of her."
Mr Burns said the venue tailored its assistance to guests and said the theatre had taken a direct approach to helping people.
He added: "If someone wants to attend an event and needs a chair because they can’t stand for long periods of time, we give them a chair. If they need a helper to get them around the building, we give them a free personal assistant ticket. If they want to stand in one of the quieter parts of the building away from the crowds, then we find them a less congested spot. No questions asked.
"Our approach isn’t about making a fuss over disabled music fans – it’s very basic, easy to fulfil stuff."
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