A STOURPORT theatre group will be kitted out with new sound and lighting equipment thanks to a £1,000 grant from Wyre Forest District Council.

The money was donated to the Monday Night Group through the council's Community Localism Fund, and will go towards new sound and lighting equipment to help the charity continue its fundraising efforts.

Each year, the Monday Night Group donates the proceeds of its annual pantomime to local groups supporting the young, elderly and disabled.

More than 90 community groups in Wyre Forest benefited from a share of £27,250 last year.

Monday Night Group chairman Sam Maher said: "The Monday Night Group has been producing a pantomime each year in Stourport for over 50 years and since becoming a registered charity in 1981 has donated over £500,000.

“Our lighting and sound equipment is outdated and we have to rely on hiring items which increases costs and impacts on the overall amount of money we can donate to local groups.

“The grant will help us buy a new lighting desk and accessories and ensure we can maintain a high technical quality and professional show for the 4,000 plus audience members we get each year.”

Council leader Marcus Hart added: "I’m very pleased to support the Monday Night Group. Not only does the group produce a fantastic pantomime which entertains thousands of local people each year, they also help many other local organisations with much-needed funding year in, year out.

“I applaud their efforts and have no hesitation in supporting their application from our Community Localism Fund. The fund is there to help support charitable organisations who are making a real difference to the lives of local people.”

This year's panto - Little Red Riding Hood - will take to the stage at Stourport Civic Centre from January 25 to February 2.

Tickets are available now, ranging from £8 to £12, at mondaynightgroup.org.