A long-established theatre faces closure over a £6,500 repair bill.

Members of the Seaford Operatic Society have been holding fund-raising events to drum up the cash needed to fix the Barn Theatre's leaky roof.

But they fear only a generous benefactor or a hefty grant will save the seafront facility, which is used for amateur dramatics and other community events.

The building was originally a warehouse and cottage but was bought by the society from Lewes District Council in 1982 and transformed into a theatre.

Vice chairman Lyn Woodfield said: "It was bought thanks to a donation from a local resident and various loans which all had to be paid back over the years.

"The problem with the roof dates back to the hurricane in 1987. Since then there have been various piecemeal repairs paid for on insurance but it is no longer covered.

"It needs to be completely replaced. The roof is about 100 years old.

"When it rains heavily the water literally pours in and we have to put buckets out.

"You can't hold shows when there is water cascading through the ceiling. Nobody will want to hire the place.

"The youth theatre group hired it for a production recently but could not sell all the seats in case people got water dripping on their heads.

"We fear it will only get worse and we will have to close for good.

"As you can imagine, the income from the theatre is modest and we simply cannot afford such a large sum. It would take us years to raise that sort of sum through small fund-raising events."

Applications for Lottery grants have been rejected and the society has launched an urgent appeal for donations.

Mrs Woodfield said: "I have been a member for 43 years and the Barn Theatre has become a very valuable community facility.

"It would be a great shame to see it close and a big loss for the whole of Seaford.

"It took three years for the society to covert the Barn from its derelict state into a nice little theatre and several more years to pay for it.

"Many people are very attached to it emotionally."

The Barn is currently used by the film society, organ club, Barnstormers Comedy Club and youth drama groupAnyone who can help is asked to call 01323 492906.