A CUMBRIAN theatre has been given a £45,500 birthday present.

It takes the figure raised by supporters of Theatre by the Lake in Keswick to more than £500,000 since it opened in August 1999.

Members of the Friends of the Theatre by the Lake presented a cheque to artistic director Ian Forrest.

The presentation took place as members of the supporters group met the 14 actors from the theatre's summer season company.

"We probably have the most loyal group of Friends of any theatre in the country and we are very grateful for the support they have given over the last 17 years," said Rachel Swift, the theatre's head of communications.

"Their efforts have been extraordinary and they have made a major contribution to the success of Theatre by the Lake."

Jean Stephens, secretary of the Friends group, said: "The money has come mainly from member’s subscriptions, donations, fundraising and a monthly prize draw, plus Gift Aid cash we have been able to recover.

"We have also given funds raised from our members’ luncheon club at which we have had a series of guest speakers including actor Polly Lister, a regular at Theatre by the Lake, who talked about her career and preparing for her one-woman play, I Was A Wife.

“We have already had two successful events this year - a car rally and a garden gathering at the home of Ian Forrest and resident designer, Martin Johns."

The Friends’ organisation is independent of the theatre and is run solely by volunteers.