TO ensure the long-term sustainability of Number 8, Allan Brodie takes up the post of operations manager in August.

A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, he has managerial experience with English Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern College of Music and five years' technical experience at the Malvern Theatres.

Chairman Jane Daniels said: "Alan Brodie's appointment will help to take the pressure from the rest of the management team and allow the volunteer managers to spend more time on other essential tasks such as marketing and publicity."

Number 8 will remain essentially a voluntary-led organisation with a team of 230 covering everything from box office, cafe bar, evening bar and front-of-house.

Managing director Ray Steadman said: ""We proud of Number 8 and the fact that so many people give their time to work for us to such a very high standard."

Number 8 has been fortunate to secure three years' revenue funding totalling £30,000 from Worcestershire County Council towards running costs and £5,000 from both Pershore Town Council and Pershore Market Towns Partnership (Advantage West Midlands) towards the operation manager's salary.

Fundraising director Andrew Clasen said: "Building on the extraordinary success of Number 8, we are to provide more circulation and display space next summer, with the aid of a £400,000 capital project grant.

"Our intention is to rebuild the 60 degree Georgian roof over the front of the building and re-instate the first and second floors.

"The first floor will be accessed from the foyer, via a new set of stairs, to provide much-needed additional circulation space. Georgian windows to the first floor balcony with views to the High Street will be an exciting feature.