The future of the organ at Brighton's Dome Complex hangs in the balance because funding has dried up.

The £21 million redevelopment of the Dome complex has already included the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Pavilion theatres, which reopened in May 2000.

A new central foyer, cafe, bar and box office are scheduled to open in late spring.

But the organ has been seen as a non-essential aspect of the redevelopment so rescue money will have to come from private sources.

Now a campaign has been launched to save the organ, and our readers have been asked to help in whatever way they can.

The fund-raising drive is called The Douglas Reeve Memorial Appeal: Piping the Life into Brighton's Vital Organ.

Jessica Hepburn, who is co-ordinating the fund-raising for the Dome, said contributions from Argus readers could make all the difference.

She said people had vivid memories of the organ and of Douglas Reeve, who used to play the instrument and organised the famous Tuesday night review show for more than 30 years.

Anyone who donates money to the appeal will receive an invite to an opening night organ recital performance at the Dome theatre.

To make a donation, write to Jessica Hepburn at The Douglas Reeve Memorial Appeal, 12a Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE.

To make sure more money goes directly to the appeal, include a signed letter stating that you want your donation to be treated as Gift Aid.

When charitable donations are not made as Gift Aids, 28p out of every £1 is taken up in tax. With Gift Aids, all the money goes direct to charity.

Any cheques should be made payable to The Brighton Dome Appeal.