A troubled theatre hopes to spice up its events programme in a bid to boost ticket sales.

There had been fears the White Rock Theatre, Hastings, may close after a slump in profits, but in a meeting last week, councillors decided to keep the historic theatre open instead of selling it or leasing it to a private company.

Rejecting the two options which could have seen the theatre close, councillors voted to improve the programme of events and make better use of the building.

The decision followed a major review of the White Rock's performance which revealed audiences were unhappy with the variety and quality of shows on offer.

Councillors said the planned improvements would not necessarily mean spending vast amounts of money.

Anne Greenhalf, secretary of the Hastleons Amateur Dramatic Society, which puts on productions at the theatre said she was delighted at the news.

She said: "I hope they can get the audiences back because it's a nice theatre and it would be such a shame to see it go."

The decision on the future of the White Rock will be discussed at the next meeting of the cabinet of Hastings Borough Council.