The Priory Theatre in Kenilworth has taken an "important step towards making live theatre accessible to all", following the installation of a new lift to replace the one that broke almost a year ago.

The Mayor of Kenilworth, Cllr Alison Insley, visited the theatre, ahead of the opening night of When Darkness Falls last night (October 22), to try out the new lift and see first-hand how it will help audiences with restricted mobility return to the theatre.

The previous lift breaking meant wheelchair users and others with restricted mobility were unable to access the stalls of the auditorium.

Costing more than £30,000, the project has been made possible thanks to various donations.

The Priory Theatre received funding from Kenilworth Town Council, Kenilworth Lions and Kenilworth Runners, alongside a substantial anonymous donation from a Priory audience member.

The theatre said it is "hugely grateful" to everyone who has contributed to making the new lift a reality.

Mike Brooks, Priory Theatre committee member, said: "Having our previous lift break almost a year ago was a real setback, as we want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy the shows we work so hard to bring to the stage.

"This has been a big project for us, and the support we've received from local organisations and our audiences has been fantastic.

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"We simply couldn't have done it without their generosity."