THORNTON Little Theatre has had a 'phenomenally successful' first year, says Wyre's arts development officer, Ian Lamond.

The venue - launched in Thornton's revamped lecture hall, Victoria Road East - has attracted high ticket sales to several events he said.

"The audience has grown phenomenally over the last 12 months. We have had really enthusiastic audiences and the breadth of work that's been presented has been great, including music, dance, ethnic dance, and jazz and blues weekends which were very successful."

Much of the theatre's programme has been organised by an interim committee of Friends of the Little Theatre. And the committee held a meeting on Friday night.

It was to have been the theatre's first annual general meeting, but instead was mainly a finance meeting, Mr Lamond said.

"I believe it went very well - 20 people attended. Lots of issues were raised. They felt that they weren't prepared to have an AGM - that will be held in spring next year - so it become just a general finance meeting."

He added: "The committee want to see great marketing and great development of the theatre's public profile so that more and more people realise there's an exciting new space in Thornton."

And the theatre is backing the first North Lancashire Playwriting Competition, organised by Fylde School of Acting which holds classes at Thornton Little Theatre. Playwrights aged 13 and above can submit their own brand new play before January 20, 2005. The winning play will be premiered in Thornton by University of Central Lancashire student actors and a professional director. Entry forms are available from libraries throughout North Lancashire or by telephoning Ian Lamond on 887482.