A theatre group has elected a new chairman.

Workington Playgoers, which owns the Theatre Royal, Washington Street, has elected Pat Brinicombe as its new chairman.

The theatre reopened in May after a major refurbishment costing over £500,000.

This was possible thanks to a successful bid to the Big Lottery Fund and other funding.

Pat has been a member of the club for over 30 years and was formerly responsible for publicity and marketing.

She said: "When we did the refurbishment we said we wanted to involve the community more. We have been a closed order for some time and now we need to open up this theatre to the wider community.

"My role is to encourage that and get more people to join us, whether that's people coming to see the plays, volunteering or using the theatre."

Thanks to the refurbishment the group was able to double the size of the foyer, install a new bar and refurbish three buildings at the back of the theatre, on Wilson Street, which are used by charity Soundwave and as community rooms.

Pat said: "We like to think we are very instrumental in the community, in prompting people feeling better about themselves and being more confident.

"Theatre can do that.

"The playgoers is important to me because I absolutely love theatre. I have been involved in it all my adult life.

"For 2017 we're looking at having a lot more groups using the theatre.

"Now it's been refurbished and it's more accessible we have groups that are willing to come back and use the building, where previously they didn't find it suitable."

Pat has taken over from Peter Inglis, who stepped down as chairman after six years.

She said: "Peter has done an incredible job.

"I'm very happy that he's intending to carry on with phase two and three of the refurbishment of the building.

"Peter comes from a big business. He's the person that needs to be there.

"I've worn my hard hat and my hi-vis jacket when the theatre was all up in shreds but I wouldn't like to take over from him.

"Phase two and three will involve work to the fly tower, the front of the building and possibly replacing the seating in the stalls."