A POPULAR Workington theatre has thanked its peers in the industry for their help after a fire dealt a devastating blow to its running at the start of the month.

A fire broke out in the technical workshop at the Carnegie Theatre in the town on December 12, destroying much of the technical equipment that staff use to put on performances at the well-known venue.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue dealt with the incident quickly, meaning that nobody was hurt. However the loss of equipment came as a blow to the theatre.

But other theatres soon came to the rescue, supporting the Carnegie with many offers of help.

One well known national theatre in the North West, even went the extra mile to help out with the loss of their equipment.

The Lowry in Salford provided the theatre with a whole host of technical equipment that they have been allowed to loan unti they are able to replace theirs.

In a statement, the Carnegie said: “We’d just like to show our immense gratitude to everyone who gave us support following the fire in our technical workshop last week, something which we are immensely grateful for.

“More so than ever, theatres are working closer together and therefore we’d like to give a special shout out to Rosehill Theatre, Theatre by the Lake, The Beggar’s Theatre, Wigton’s John Peel Theatre for your offers of help and kind words.

"Proof that we’re all there for each other and we’re committed more than ever to working together.

“We were also incredibly lucky this week to be donated this lighting stock from none other than The Lowry in Salford. These will keep us going until we can replace our modern stock.”

The equipment will come as welcome news to many in the town with Christmas being "the most wonderful time of the year" for entertainment at the venue.

Boxing Day will mark the start of panto season in the venue, with a theatre group bringing Cinderella to town for a number of performances over the festive period.