Sir Alan Ayckbourn has pledged his support for The Swan Theatre and has donated money to the theatre's fighting fund.

The future of The Swan was thrown into doubt when Worcester City Council announced it would be withdrawing its support grant of £83,000.

The council said it was forced to make cuts following the discovery of a deficit in its budget for this year.

'Tremendous support'

But without the council's grant, the theatre says it will not be able to survive.

Sir Alan has donated money to the "fighting fund"

Sir Alan, who is currently the director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, has placed a petition against the closure of The Swan up in his theatre.

Liz Richards, The Swan's marketing manager, said: "Sir Alan has been very generous and has offered his support which is tremendous.

"We have also had backing from lots of other actors such as Tony Britten and Kevin Whately."

On Monday night, the theatre was given hope when the council's scrutiny committee voted to approve the previously withdrawn grant.

About 150 campaigners attended the meeting with placards and banners.

A final decision on the future of The Swan is expected to be made at a full meeting of the council on Tuesday night.