The owners of the historic Dome Cinema in Worthing are stepping up their campaign to raise £500,000 towards the cost of a £2.5 million refurbishment scheme.

The Worthing Dome and Regeneration Trust has already been awarded a £1.75 million Heritage Lottery Grant but needs to raise half a million itself before any money is released.

Trust members are confident of success but need people to throw their support behind the campaign.

Chairman Belle Stennett said: "One of our strengths is that we are already operating as a business and providing facilities for the community.

"This is something that lottery boards tend to look upon favourably. It is a lot of hard work but we are hopeful of success.

"If we can continue to keep the cinema operating as a going concern and continue to look for more funding then the future is looking good."

The trust took over the ownership of the cinema nearly a year ago at a nominal cost of £10 from Worthing Council which could not afford the extensive repairs needed for it.

The Grade II listed building has suffered from neglect for 30 years but still retains most of its original features.

Major restoration work to the roof and other repairs to the building need to be carried out within two years.

The building spans three floors and once refurbished will provide the local community with a multi-entertainment facility.

Attractions on offer will include a museum, cinema, restaurant, tourist information centre, cafe, lecture hall, meeting room and a bar.

Mrs Stennett said: "We have had a very successful year so far. We opened a new bar and a separate area for meetings which have been very popular.

"Our special screenings for children have also been very successful and our audience figures are steadily growing as word gets round.

"We have developed close links with places such as Northbrook College and local community groups who use us as a meeting place and this is something that we want to expand on in the future."

The trust is celebrating its year long ownership of the Dome with a gala evening on December 16 when there will be a special screening of the classic film High Society.