A POPULAR theatre has been given a fresh look after a home improvements firm gave it a £10,000 makeover for free.

The West Cliff Theatre, in Tower Road, Clacton, was given the facelift by Ipswich-based Seh Bac after winning its community building competition.

It has now has £10,000 worth of energy efficient windows and doors which will also help it to reduce its running costs.

John Savage, managing director of the firm, said the self-funded theatre is mainly run by volunteers and in dire need of renovation.

It was founded in 1894 and is enjoyed by 35,000 visitors every year.

Mr Savage said: “It’s great to see our installers arrive at the West Cliff Theatre to begin the important work of ensuring this much-loved staple of the Clacton community can continue to operate for generations to come.

“Buildings like this are truly important to the local area and to our customers, so we are absolutely delighted we can give the theatre a new lease of life.”