The organisers of an arts weekend at the Priestley Centre are making an 11th hour plea for a comedian to take part in the line-up.

The Priestley Arts Weekend, which kicks off tonight, is being organised by a group of Bradford University students keen to help the historic theatre.

The two-day event will include music, comedy, art, and dance, and is set to resurrect the Priestley's use as a film theatre by screening films.

But preparations for the event have suffered a last-minute hitch, with comic Lea Roberts, who was due to perform tonight, pulling out.

Now the organisers are desperately seeking a replacement for the comedy slot.

"Lea can't make it because of an injury," said Rob Birchall. "We're trying to find a replacement for him.

"It would be great if anyone out there can do a bit of comedy and fancies having a go. They'd need to contact us quickly and get down here for tonight."

The five students organising the arts weekend managed to secure funding from the National Film Council.

Bradford's Capital of Culture bid team is also backing the event, and Bradford companies Mumtaz and Marks & Spencer have provided food for buffets.

The students decided to get involved with the Priestley after reading about its funding struggle in the Telegraph & Argus.

"We wanted to do something to promote what it has to offer, particularly the film theatre," said student Stephen Jones.

"We're all doing an Electronic Imaging and Media Communications degree and are staging this event as part of our final year assessment.

"We thought the Priestley was an excellent community arts facility to get involved with."

The students clinched a £250 grant from the Yorkshire Screen Commission - the regional arm of the Film Council - and following discussions with the Commission they are showing a short film at the Priestley over the weekend.

Priestley director Stephen Goodfellow said: "We're delighted these students are supporting the Priestley.

"We used to show films regularly but have been unable to afford it in recent years. It's something we'd very much like to get going again."