A seaside theatre is set for a facelift during a busy autumn of improvements which also includes the launch of new digital cinema and on-line booking systems.

Sheringham Little Theatre will get its makeover ahead of the launch of its pantomime in December.

The work will see the overhaul of the roof, gutters and downpipes; repair, redecoration and cleaning of outside walls, and installation of more attractive windows on the ground floor to let in more light.

The outward-opening automatic front door will be replaced sliding door main entrance door, providing easier access for all visitors, especially wheelchair users, to the foyer, booking office and caf� areas.

North Norfolk District Council, which owns the building, said work would began towards the end of the month, but warned of temporary pavement closures outside while the scheme progressed.

Sheringham councillor and representative on the theatre board Rhodri Oliver said the vital restoration programme would 'greatly improve the Sheringham theatre experience for everyone,' while cabinet member for corporate assets Wyndham Northam added: 'Sheringham Little Theatre is a cultural gem in North Norfolk. We are very lucky to have it and will do what we can to continue to support its work.'

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said the building was in need of a facelift which would make it 'more theatrical'.

It last had a smarten-up eight years ago using �3,500 raised by the visit of Monty Python actor and writer Michael Palin.

The use of larger window panes would not only make the interior lighter and help people see in, but enable more use of posters and a piece of mural art.

The scheme came during an exciting month when the theatre was also launching its new digital cinema system with the showing of the locally-made film In Love with Alma Cogan on October 5 and 6, and beginning its new on-line booking in the middle of the month.

'It is a busy and exciting time for the theatre, and it is great that we are continually moving forward,' she added.