FRIENDS of Swindon Arts centre are appealing for £7,000 to pay for new seating.

The seats in the theatre's auditorium were installed last year but the money is needed to repay a loan from Swindon Borough Council.

The appeal, entitled "If only. . . " has been set up to coincide withthe launch of the centre's new brochure, covering September to December.

Chairwoman Sally Howse said: "If all the recipients of the autumn brochure donated just £1, then it would be possible to pay off that loan.

"And if everyone donated £5, then the next large target securing air conditioning for the theatre would be well on the way to being achieved."

Since the launch of the brochure, on August 2, nearly £500 has already been donated.

Ms Howse said: "We have had some very generous responses from individuals, who immediately sent cheques in response to the appeal. Now we are finding that many people are willing to contribute small amounts to help, which makes me optimistic that we will be able to hit our target by Christmas."

For further information on the appeal telephone 01793 466565.