ALMOST £100,000 has been allocated to two town theatres as they recover from the pandemic.

The Point Eastleigh and its sister venue, The Berry Theatre in Hedge End have been given a total of £96,000 as part of the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.

The support marks the third round of awards from the fund and is now set to be used as the theatres recover from the pandemic for staffing, overheads and the venues' commitment to be "inclusive and sustainable".

The Point and The Berry Theatre have been operating at 80% capacity and accommodating social distancing where applicable since they reopened and have scheduled a programme of varied events for audiences.

Both theatres are owned and operated by Eastleigh Borough Council and cabinet member for Health and Social Policy cllr Tonia Craig, said: “It is great news that the talented team running our theatres have managed to secure this additional funding.

"It has been an important lifeline during successive lockdowns and has allowed the team to develop the excellent programmes that are currently in place this Winter and for Spring 2022.”

The funding has been allocated by the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).

Creative Director of The Point Charlotte Hall said: “We are incredibly grateful for this latest injection of funding and for the continued support of the DCMS. Our commitment to providing fantastic creative experiences for our communities has not waned and this crucial funding helps us to deliver on this during continued times of challenge."