WORK is underway on Rhyl's Little Theatre.
Donations, offers of help and fundraising ideas have been pouring in as work to complete renovations within a six-month period have begun.
The theatre is hoping to get a programme of events underway in the autumn with an in-house show and a production by a theatre company from Liverpool.
Neil Taylor, secretary of the Little Theatre, said: "This is the start of a new era. We have had a donation of £100 and we have had two people do work on the front wall. An electrician has offered to do £300 of work on the fire alarm system. We are overjoyed."
Ideas for fundraising activities include a quiz night at the Swan Inn and a singer has offered to perform in order to raise cash.
At a three-day civil action in Caernarfon, the theatre was granted a new 12-year lease after a six-year battle with Denbighshire County Council.
Part of the ruling said certain repair work must be carried out within six months.
During the hearing the judge said he was satisfied there was a real prospect of the work being done and described the theatre as “willing and enthusiastic tenants.”
Mr Taylor said: "We have had two or three people give us estimates on work that needs doing. We are looking at beyond the agreed list.
"We want to work together with the council. We want them to work with us to develop it and we want to see what grants they can apply for.
"The response by the public has shown how important the theatre is. There is hardly a family in Rhyl that hasn't had somebody through the theatre. We are extremely grateful for the support. The public has always been behind us."
The Little Theatre is believed to have been the first purpose built children’s theatre in Britain and has helped launch the careers of talented youngsters including panto star Rebecca Trehern.
If you have any fundraising ideas or would like to offer any donations to the Little Theatre you can e-mail rhyllittleth@btconnect.com