A SMALL theatre has been recognised as the best in the county.

The Ropetackle Arts Centre, in Shoreham, was named the best Sussex Theatre and Arts Venue.

The award was given to the 200-capacity theatre after a vote among readers of Muddy Stilettos, a digital lifestyle magazine.

The community-run venue, in Shoreham High Street, has hosted big names in comedy and music in the past 12 months.

Acts such as Romesh Ranganathan, Jack Dee, Alan Carr and Courtney Pine have all performed on the Ropetackle stage.

Hundreds of people voted, saying it was their favourite among a host of other nominees.

Nicky Thornton, marketing manager of the Ropetackle, said: “We’re over the moon to have won. Ropetackle really is a

little gem on the Sussex coast.

“It is almost entirely run by volunteers and receives very little external funding, yet it attracts some of the biggest and the best in live entertainment.

“We are always told how friendly, welcoming and loved we are as a local venue, so it means a lot to be recognised throughout East and West Sussex.

“We are grateful to everyone involved with

Ropetackle, to the audiences, and the people who voted for us.”