THE Standard has launched a campaign backing the Harwich Electric Palace appeal to raise funds for a major refurbishment of the historic cinema.

A £700,000 project is in the pipeline for the grade two listed building, which hinges on a heritage lottery grant.

But the Electric Palace Trust is also striving to raise £60,000 itself towards the works.

If both bids are successful the 105-year-old building will have a renovated ceiling, new seating, new internal decoration and a refurbishment of the exterior.

It will be the first time the cinema has been redecorated since it was saved from demolition in 1972, restored and reopened in 1981.

Chris Strachan, chairman of the trust, said: "It all started really in December 2013 when the ceiling of the Apollo cinema collapsed and several people were hurt.

"I spoke to the people who did the repairs and asked for the palace to be surveyed.

"We are just beyond the average lifespan of the hessian in the plaster and they found there is a bit of movement so we thought we really have to do something about it.

"It's the original plaster from when it was built in 1911."

To undertake the repairs to the ceiling the roof will be dismantled and the cinema closed.

"It will make a terrible mess," Mr Strachan added.

"So it's the ideal time to redecorate the whole auditorium.

"We are going to put in more comfortable seating - fewer seats and more leg room but keeping the character we have.

"The seats we have now aren't the original ones - there were benches seating 452 people

"We will have to close for about six months but that will hopefully preserve the palace for another 100 years - it's a no brainer."

The internal colour scheme could be changed during the work as there are no records of the original colours used.

Specialist cinema historians will be drafted in to help with any redesigns.

Mr Strachan said fundraising has been quietly ongoing at the palace with any money raised from film screenings put straight into the fund.

It is thought about £22,000 has already been raised.

But help is needed to reach the £60,000 target.

Lorraine King, chief reporter of the Standard, said: "The Electric Palace is a beautiful and hugely important part of Harwich's history.

"It's important landmarks such as this are protected for the future.

"If the community rallies together then this grade two listed gem could still be standing 100 years from now."

It is hoped the heritage lottery fund will be approved and mean work can begin in spring next year.

A £50,000 cashpot has already been granted to help the trust put together architect drawings and designs.

To donate to the appeal for funds, use sort code 40-19-43 and account number 81379224 and reference HEPT Roof Appeal.

The next fundraising event for the appeal will be in June with a screening of A Quiet Passion, the life story of American poet Emily Dickenson, followed by a question and answer session with writer and director Terance Davies.