A rousing start has been made to the fundraising programme which will bring Deal's Astor Theatre back into use in the New Year.

Deal duo The Divide, featuring Vince Martyn and Tom Palmer, kicked off a series of events at St George’s Hall, and kept the cash registers ringing in to help pay for the refurbishment of the dilapidated theatre.

Colin Whittington, of the Deal Arts Management team - one of the overseers of the Astor, said: "The event was a great success in all respects and we are most grateful to The Divide and to the audience and friends for their generosity and support."

The theatre closed in June 2008 and work started in June this year.

Deal Arts Management’s vision is to make the building surpass its former glory, bringing with it state of the art facilities to serve a variety of groups.

The acoustically balanced composure of the auditorium is already complete, with lighting, heating and decorating still to come.

A grant of £300,000 has been made by Deal Town Council and another of £12,500 by Walmer Parish Council will pay for a new cafe bar and disabled toilets.

Fundraising events will continue through September and October on Friday and Saturday evenings at St George’s Hall, High Street, Deal.