THE rogues are coming out of the woodwork to support an ambitious plan to improve facilities at Blackburn's newest theatre.

Work is due to start later this month on a scheme to provide extra seating and a bar area in the balcony at the Thwaites Empire Theatre at Ewood. A total of £150,000 is needed to create an extra 120 seats, taking the theatre's capacity to 320.

A Rogues Gallery Appeal was launched in August asking people to give £1,000 for one seat -- and already over £35,000 has been raised in a matter of weeks.

Project director, Michael Berry, said: "The response has been marvellous. People never cease to amaze me with their generosity."

All those who pledge support to the appeal will have their photographs displayed in a special rogues gallery in the entrance to the theatre. Work is expected to be completed in 2004. The Thwaites Empire Theatre opened after a 30-year campaign to restore the once derelict Red Brick Theatre.

Anyone interested in becoming a theatre rogue can contact Michael Berry on 07931 639798.