VOLUNTEERS who have spearheaded the £176,500 renovation of the historic Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne look set to receive an additional £9,000 from East Dorset finance chiefs to help pay for unforeseen costs to the scheme.

When they meet on Wednesday, policy and resources bosses are being recommended to grant the interest-free historic building loan to the Friends of the Tivoli.

The grade II listed theatre, built in the 1930s, has nearly been completely renovated to its former art deco glory, and the latest loan will defray outstanding repair costs which came to light during the course of the project.

"The repairs have had a very beneficial impact on the West Borough frontage," said a spokesman from East Dorset District Council.

"They have also arrested potentially much more costly building defects."

The latest loan supplements a £107,000 one-off payment from the council's capital programme kitty, together with a contingency of £16,000.

The balance of the scheme's original costs - £28,000 - was to be met by the Friends of the Tivoli.

But during the renovation additional works estimated at £45,700 were identified, such as re-pointing part of the theatre's front and demolishing and rebuild-ing the rear north gable.

The anticipated shortfall of £26,494 is to be met by the new £9,000 loan and by the Friends' reserves of £17,494.

Chair of the Friends of the Tivoli, Judy Holford, said: "We are delighted that the council has been so helpful and supportive over the years.

"Again over the last six years and with the help of the audience we have raised enough money to renovate the dressing rooms, re-cover the seats in the auditorium and restore the ceiling and art deco lighting.

"We are currently in the process of replacing the auditorium carpet.

"However, the major renovation of the building is quite beyond us and that's why we are so grateful to the council."