A YORK filmmaker and computer animator has helped a council make a successful bid for a £4.5million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Dave Thorp, of Fulford, said he worked with Dr David Wilmore of Theatresearch on a film project to help Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council visualise the restoration of the run down Grade II listed Art Deco Globe theatre in Stockton town centre.

“Once restored, the theatre will have a capacity of 3,000, firmly positioning it as the largest venue between Newcastle and Leeds, bringing an estimated £18million to the local economy each year and creating more than 250 jobs,” he said.

“The theatre is spectacular, but currently very sad. It’s huge! The proscenium is 50’ wide and everywhere is evidence of 1930’s art deco glory.

“My job was to study old and new plans, historic photographs and catalogues and then build a computer model and film it to show investors, funders and stakeholders what the restored theatre would look like.”

He said the Heritage Lottery Fund had confirmed a £4.5million grant last week.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such a project,” he added.