A Kenilworth theatre is set to receive £75,000 of funding from HS2 to help pay for a major extension.

The Talisman Theatre will use the money from the HS2 community and environment fund to build a new fringe stage, bar and reception area.

The Barrow Road theatre has already received a £100,000 CIL grant from Kenilworth Town Council as part of the £275,000 needed for phase one of the expansion.

In total the theatre needs to raise in excess of £1.3million to pay for the entire project.

The Talisman Theatre has occupied its current home on Barrow Road since it opened in 1969.

The 158-seater theatre received planning permission for a two-storey extension, a new studio and lift in 2019.

"It is fantastic news for Kenilworth residents and lovers of the arts alike that the Talisman Theatre Company has been successful in their bid for HS2 CEF funding," said Cllr Wallace Redford, Warwickshire County Council portfolio holder for transport and planning.

"This extra injection of cash will enable the company to continue its growth and bolster its position as a well loved and respected venue for the arts in Warwickshire.

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"Whether people agree with the HS2 scheme or not, it is important that Warwickshire is allocated a fair share of this funding pot.

"I want to encourage more local groups to bid for a share of HS2 funding to gain some benefit for the places affected by the construction and operation of the new railway."

Since the HS2 funds opened five years ago, 28 projects in Warwickshire have now secured funding from HS2 worth £1,400,093.

To find out more about the Talisman Theatre Company, by visiting the website here.