THE SWINDON Arts Centre's Sponsor a Seat scheme is more than halfway to its target.

So far 115 of the 200 seats have been paid for in the appeal, which is designed to replace all the centre's seats and redecorate the auditorium.

Arts Centre manager Clarry Bean said: "It has been a tremendous few weeks.

"We continue to receive compliments on the new development from customers and performers, and with ticket sales well up on the same period last year the centre is enjoying an excellent start to 2003.

"The new summer brochure achieved record sales in its first week with one act, comic Mark Thomas, selling out within days.

"This has been reflected in the Sponsor a Seat campaign, where there has been a very pleasing uptake among local people."

Sponsoring a seat costs £150. To add your support call Clarry Bean or Jill Tomalin on Swindon 466565.