LANCASTER Grand Theatre has a petite new figure at its helm, harbouring high hopes and big ideas about bringing the historic theatre into the 21st century.

Just days into the her role as theatre co-ordinator, Aby Jeffers has visions of filling the auditorium with fresh faces and bringing in bundles of cash to keep the Grand buzzing.

"This is something I can really get my teeth into," she enthuses.

One of Aby's top priorities is to tap into the student population, which she hopes to do by offering contemporary shows and up-to-date comedy.

Raising the Grand's profile as a venue for quality amateur and professional productions also features high on her list of jobs.

Lancaster Footlights own the theatre, which is mainly run by volunteers. Three years ago, Kate Noble was employed as theatre manager - a post she held until standing down recently.

Her successor, 23-year-old Aby was previously marketing manager at the Citadel Arts Centre in St Helens.

"It is an exciting challenge," said Aby of her new role. "I am not starting from scratch as Kate did a great job setting everything up. She has laid the foundations, and it is really exciting to be taking it from here."

Her main task is booking professional productions to fill the gaps when Lancaster Footlights and other amateur dramatic groups are not on stage.

"I want to put even more professional theatre on - there are plenty of touring companies around the county who would love to come and perform in a proper theatre like this," she says.

But she admits that her biggest challenge will be to 'pull the theatre into the 21st century'.

"We don't have a computerised box office system but we need to compete with other businesses. It is a charity but it needs to appear as a professional business.

"I think there is a bit of snobbery about with people thinking the Grand is 'that amateur place'. That image needs to change to one of quality productions, whether amateur or professional."

The Grand box office is open from 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday and on performance nights. For further details log on to www.lancastergrand.co.uk