ARTS campaigners are seeking more support for a new performance arts venue in Thornbury.

Arts and Community in Thornbury (ACT) is two years into a campaign for a 500-seat theatre/arts centre in the town.

The organisation aims to provide a venue for meeting and rehearsal rooms, exhibition and performance space, cinema, bar and restaurant in the town.

It is currently drawing up a business plan for raising money, building the venue and ensuring it has a secure future.

And it hopes to start a massive £6 million fundraising campaign for the venue next year.

The group currently has 113 paying members - Friends of ACT (FACT) - but is searching for more.

"If this project is going to succeed we need more members," said chairman Phillip Darley.

"It is great to have reached 100 and we thank those who have joined.

"We have a good idea the project has large support in the town and we now need their registered support.

"It all takes time to get the momentum going so we are asking for new members now."

ACT spokeswoman Lyn Bedford said the venue was likely to be used not just by groups in Thornbury, but from the wider area.

She said: "The venue is envisaged as a focal point for not only the local community, but for the wider area, filling a void in the provision of large, multi-purpose arts facilities between Cheltenham, Bristol, Bath and Cardiff."

She appealed for more supporters to become a paying member of the project.

She said: "ACT needs plenty of supporters for this project. The venue is to be developed by the people and used for the community and practical help for all sorts of jobs would be welcomed."

Friends of Art and Community Thorbury (FACT) pay £10 a year and in return get regular newsletters and discounts to all ACT events.

A special welcoming event for all paid up FACT members is taking place at the Café in Turnberries on Monday, March 10 (7.30pm).

To join call Ruth Piolle on 01454 416518.