A LOCAL theatre has expressed its gratitude to the community for lending a helping hand after suffering from a 'mindless' act of vandalism.

The John Peel Theatre in Wigton saw a bottle flung at the newly painted doors, smashing a pane of glass on December 30. 

Damage to the theatre's front door will cost around £500 to replace, a sum the theatre, run by volunteers, cannot afford.

This act of vandalism, the second of its kind, comes at a time when funds are strained at the community venue. 

The community has since rallied, pledging over £630 in donations thus far.

Connie Jenson, chairperson of the theatre, said: "The community has been absolutely amazing.

"It's been touching, it really is lovely knowing how many people support us. 

"We're blown away. We're so happy with the visible showing of the support we have in the town, we love it. 

"One of our slogans is theatre by the community for the community and it's certainly starting to work," she said. 

Generous donations have come from Solway Health & Safety Training Ltd, Parakeet Print, Mayor Christopher Scott, R J Harrison and Sons Butchers and Redmayne1860. 

The theatre has also received an offer from the person who installed the door, David Cockbain of Premier Glass Wigton, to replace the broken window for free.

With the damage soon to be fixed, the funds will go towards providing CCTV for the theatre. 

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit , quoting incident number 102 of 30 December 2023. You can also phone on 101.

"Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111," they said. 

Looking ahead, the theatre is planning an exciting programme including many folk artists, and a pantomime next February.

To view the full theatre programme of events, visit www.wigtontheatre.org/productions.html

If you want to donate a small amount towards the upkeep of the theatre you can do so by visiting their Facebook page.