A THEATRE built more than 60 years ago in Callington is being brought up-to-date with a complete refurbishment and is set to launch a youth theatre project this year.

The Prim Raf Theatre in Biscombe's Lane is hoping to raise £50,000 over the next few years to transform the ageing structure, improving the experience for members and audiences.

Work has been carried out to refurbish the roof but the building is set for a complete overhaul with plans to make its foundations and fabric watertight, make a garage into changing rooms for younger members, replace windows, doors and floors, new seating and new sound and lighting equipment.

Prim Raf secretary Anne King said:?'The building is in a state of disrepair because it has been a long time since any work was done on it, but hopefully, over the next few years, that will all change.

'We are increasing the number of productions we put on to raise additional funds and we are also applying for lots of different grants at the moment.'

Prim Raf has around 40 adult members but also 30 young members who before have only been part of the annual pantomime production. This is all set to change this year with the instigation of the youth theatre project.

Anne King and her husband Mike, who run a theatrical make-up and stage skills business from their home at St Ann's Chapel, as well as being stage and deputy stage manager at the Callington theatre, are taking the young people under their wing and teaching them as many skills as they can.

She said: 'We want them them to learn about the back stage side as well as performing and we hope to take them to see other shows and theatres as well as being involved in their own theatre.'

There will be four main shows a year with extra productions by the youth theatre group. Auditions will also be opened up to non Prim Raf members.

Over the year Prim Raf has received awards for directing, set design, best musical production and best dame and a recent production of 'Allo Allo' played to sell-out audiences every night. The next event is the pantomine '1,001 Arabian Nights and a Matinee' from February 16 to 26.

Anyone who wants to help the Prim Raf with its fundraising efforts should call Anne King on 01822 835953.

l Amy-Louise Hudspeth from Callington, who made it through to the boot camp stage of the X Factor, performed two concerts in aid of the theatre recently and £647 was raised.