ACTOR Ralf Little took a trip down memory lane when he launched the new £400,000 redevelopment of Ramsbottom’s theatre.

The TV star, who grew up in Bury, made a flying visit to his former home to officially open the new Theatre Royal – the place where his career began many years ago.

Ralf, who became a household name in sitcoms The Royle Family and Two Packets of Lager, joined members and invited guests of drama company the Summerseat Players at the theatre, in Smithy Street, last Friday.

Ralf, who has a history of family ties with the theatre, cut the ribbon during a ceremony, along with chair-man and founder member Geoff Sword, and newly-elected president, Les Norris. After making a last-minute appearance and sharing his memories of performing at the theatre, Ralf, 29, rushed straight back to London, where he now lives.

The actor is the grandson of former Summerseat Players president Marjorie Little and her husband Albert, a former Mayor of Bury.

It was a special celebration for the company, which won Arts Council Lottery funding of £25,000 towards the costs of the refurbishment, and worked with volunteers to raise more than half the £400,000 total over the past nine months.

It is hoped the redevel-opment will help expand the Players’ youth theatre and become accessible for other organisations.

Many of the company’s 1,000 patrons were unable to attend Friday’s celebrations due to lack of room.

Chairman Mr Sword said: “We have an auditorium for 200 and are limited to the numbers we can have upstairs.

"We could have no more than 250, so you can imagine the dilemma of who to invite.

"We were disappointed and realise there are patrons who might be upset, but I hope people will understand our predicament.

“Hopefully those who couldn’t attend can come along to future events.”