Blackburn Empire Theatre has been awarded £500 after winning a competition.

The Aqueduct Road theatre won a "Community Chest" competition by housebuilding firm, Taylor Wimpey Manchester.

Residents from Feniscowles and surrounding areas were asked to nominate a local good cause for the prize.

Following consideration of all the entries, the theatre was granted the top award.

The funds will be directed towards the restoration, improvements, and revamps presently underway at the theatre.

The office manager and director at the theatre, Janet Stonham, said: "Over the years, countless citizens and companies have made donations to the theatre from a few pence to thousands of pounds, the result is the magnificent theatre you see today.

"The board of trustees are committed to ensuring the Blackburn Empire Theatre remains at the forefront of bringing arts and entertainment to the local community.

"We simply couldn’t do it without them, so thank you to Taylor Wimpey for their generous donation."

In addition to providing the Blackburn area with entertainment, the theatre also offers theatre and conference facilities for hire.

Beneficiaries of the facilities include community groups, performance groups, local societies, dance and drama schools, businesses and educational institutions across the North West.

Taylor Wimpey's sales and marketing director for Manchester, Sam Evans, said: "It’s been amazing to witness the community come together to make us aware about the causes in the local area that are in need of support.

"We are delighted to support local causes such as Blackburn Empire Theatre.

"The work they do makes such a valuable contribution of entertainment and support of the arts in the community and we hope our donation has gone some way towards the essential works being done on the building."