EAST Riding residents are being urged to help in the £1.5m refurbishment of Beverley Memorial Hall.

With the plans given the green light by East Riding councillors, trustees will now concentrate on fundraising for new equipment.

Projects already under way include donations of £25 or more which will be acknowledged on a special funding honours board.

A donation of £250 will mean a seat in the new 300-seat auditorium will be acknowledged with a small plaque with the person's name.

David Wilkinson, 76, secretary of the Memorial Hall Trust, said: "It is exciting times and the approval leads us to the last runs before we'll have the hall refurbished."

"The Memorial Hall is the biggest community space in Beverley dedicated to performing arts.

"The refurbishment will mean that rather than only one big space, smaller groups will be able to hire out smaller rooms at the same time the biggest space is in use.

"The new plans should be able to accommodate any event.

"I hope local people will support the plans."

The work includes the removal of the current 1950s extension to the south of the building, construction of a pitched roof and an outdoor amphitheatre situated to the rear of the building in what is known as Champney Gardens.

There will also be alterations to the Memorial Hall.

At the East Riding Council planning meeting, councillors voted unanimously in favour.

At the meeting Councillor Bryan Pearson, said: "It's been a long time coming but I like the plans very much.

"I'm pleased there is something before us now."

As part of the fundraising, members are appealing for donations and ideas of where to get money from.

For more information, or to donate to the hall either call (01482) 880244 or visit Beverley Memorial Hall's website - www.beverleymemorial.org