A community theatre hopes to raise thousands of pounds for a new rehearsal room to help aspiring actors.

Sheringham Little Theatre staff and volunteers hope to raise between £60,000-£70,000 for their A Little Bit Bigger Campaign.

If approved by North Norfolk District Council, the glass room will be built in the last remaining space at the theatre on what is currently a flat roof.

Debbie Thompson, theatre director, said: 'It is not going to be a huge space but it will make a huge difference to us. It will finish off the space beautifully.'

The main idea behind the plan is to create a room for the dozens of youngsters who are members of the six youth groups, based at the theatre.

Currently the groups use community halls which are sometimes difficult to hire.

'It is really important to teach young people. That is at the heart of what we do. It is important for us to encourage young people to become interested in the arts so we can have a future. If we cannot engage young people we would not have audiences and actors in the future,' Mrs Thompson added.

As well as being a dedicated rehearsal room, the space could be used for corporate events, actors in the annual summer rep, script read-throughs and seminars by professional actors for young people.

Mrs Thompson said: 'The room would be a boost to the youth groups. They would feel privileged to have this kind of space. It is about giving them a sense of ownership.'

It has been designed by SMG Architects in Sheringham, which designed a building for St Peter's Church in the town.

A staircase would be built from The Hub - the coffee bar connected to the theatre.

For more information about the campaign visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com, call 01263 822347 or visit the theatre on Station Road.