FANS of theatre and the movies are being urged to help renovate Wallingford's historic Corn Exchange by raising £350,000.

The existing glass roof of the Grade II listed building, which dates back to 1856, leaks in bad weather and the rain is damaging the building’s interior.

The Sinodun Players, a registered charity, own Corn Exchange Wallingford Ltd and run the building entirely with unpaid volunteers.

The charity has already set aside £150,000 for the project from its reserves but still needs to raise the remaining £350,000 for the £500,000 appeal.

Last week, members of the public attended a presentation at the theatre about the restoration project.

Fundraising coordinator John Warburton, who is leading the Corn Exchange Wallingford Roof Appeal, said: "It is a large amount of money we want to raise but the work does have to be done.

"If we do not do the work there is a danger that the building could have to close.

"We do make a massive contribution to the Wallingford community and the Corn Exchange offers lots of social benefits - it's a great place to volunteer and come and meet friends.

"People can see plays and films and there is a very good social scene for people who are connected to theatre.

"I feel optimistic that we can get this money together, with donations from the public and various grants.

"Brexit means the number of grants may be decreasing but we have to stay positive and hope work can start later this year."

Work to replace the roof could start in July and is expected to take four or five months to complete for the coming season of films, live shows and Sinodun Players’ productions.

A team of volunteers has already started applying for various grants and is appealing to local businesses for sponsorship.

The new roof has been designed by an architect who specialises in old and listed buildings and a survey and structural investigations have already been completed.

As part of the plans, the roof space interior will be opened up to allow the original Victorian framework to be seen.

In 2012, cinema managers bought a new digital cinema projector following the success of a £55,000 fundraising appeal.

The theatre was opened in December 1978 by Sir Peter Hall who was at the time the director of the National Theatre in London.

The Corn Exchange has featured several times in TV detective drama Midsomer Murders as the Causton Playhouse.

Cash or cheques, payable to Sinodun Players, can be placed in a box in the Corn Exchange foyer, or cheques can be posted to fundraising coordinator John Warburton at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Wallingford OX10 0EG.

Donations can be made by BACS to Sinodun Players, National Westminster Bank, sort code 60-22-19, Account No. 66525705, citing 'roof fund' as the reference.