A CAMPAIGN group backing Wallingford's historic Corn Exchange is to launch a project costing £500,000 to replace the roof at the Grade II listed Victorian building.

The existing glass roof of the 1856 theatre and cinema leaks in bad weather causing damage to the building’s interior.

The Corn Exchange Wallingford Roof Appeal will be launched next month and a number of fundraising events will be held during the year to secure the finances.

Fundraising coordinator John Warburton said: "Many small towns no longer have a cinema, let alone a theatre, but thanks to a dedicated band of unpaid volunteers we have both and we want to keep it that way.

"The support of the community will enable us to keep the venue running for the community."

The team of volunteers has already started applying for various grants and will be appealing to local businesses for sponsorship.

The Corn Exchange is run as a charity with all profits ploughed back into the running and maintenance of the building.

It has already set aside £150,000 for the project from its reserves but still needs to raise the remaining £350,000.

The new roof, which has been designed by an architect who specialises in old and listed buildings.

It will incorporate a modern ventilation and heating system and the roof space interior will be opened up to allow the original Victorian framework to be seen.

Marketing director John Evans said: "Some people have already started fundraising. There was a race night at The George recently and some of the proceeds from the fireworks display on the Kinecroft will also go towards the fund.

"We have known for some time that the work needed doing but now it is getting urgent.

"When it rains heavily there are certain seats that have to be blocked off, so we need to get this project completed as soon as we can.

"The work does need to be carried out by experts because the building is listed.

"People in Wallingford love the Corn Exchange and some fundraising is already under way but the main push will come after Christmas."

It is hoped that work could start in July and be completed by early autumn in time for the coming season of films, live shows and Sinodun Players’ productions.

In 2012 cinema managers bought a new digital cinema projector following the success of a £55,000 fundraising appeal.

Cash or cheques, payable to Sinodun Players, can be placed in a box in the Corn Exchange foyer, or cheques can be posted to fundraising coordinator John Warburton at the Corn Exchange, Market Place, Wallingford OX10 0EG.

Donations can be made by BACS to Sinodun Players, National Westminster Bank, sort code 60-22-19, Account No. 66525705, citing 'roof fund' as the reference.