The second phase of the Hall for Cornwall's renovation work was unveiled when the Truro theatre re-opened on Friday following this year's pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The remaining 400 seats, some of which were literally coming apart at the seams, have been completely re-covered. The second wave of refurbishment has also seen completely new flooring and layout in the coffee shop. The new layout of the eating area also makes it far more user friendly for families with buggies and wheelchair users. The cost of the refurbishment was funded by donations, private sponsorship and HfC's "Loved to Bits" theatre fund. Launched in April 2005, the fund has an annual fundraising target of £100,000 to maintain the 150-year-old building. Since 1997, when the Hall for Cornwall first opened its doors, more than six million people have used the building. This success has come at a price - with the building showing extensive signs of wear and tear. As well as the seats showing signs of age there are several patches of damp and a leaky roof which need attention. The eight-year-old lighting kit also needs to be modernised.

Tim Brinkman, the director of HfC, said: "Thanks to the Theatre Fund payments and donations made by members of our audience so far, and to The Patrick Trust, who have offered a substantial donation, we have been able to refurbish the auditorium seats. People will know that this is at the top of our Theatre Fund list of jobs, and we are very grateful to The Patrick Trust and to the public who have helped us get this far so quickly."