The Priestley Centre for the Arts is offering free seats for its next main stage production to people who pledge donations to the troubled theatre.

And the venue has unveiled a corporate package for businesses which make an annual contribution.

The cash gift schemes are aimed at helping to secure the Priestley's long-term future, if it manages to survive its current financial problems.

The theatre is on its way to raising the £10,000 it needs by the end of the month to avoid falling into liquidation.

Director Stephen Goodfellow said the Priestley now needed to focus on a regular income to ensure its long-term future. "Our aim is to go beyond short-term survival," he said. "We hope to raise a steady stream of income for the future which will show we mean business, and highlight the continuing fantastic support from the people of Bradford district.

"As a thank you to participants we're offering free seats for our next main stage production - a comedy called Playing the Wife, which will run in November, if we are still here."

People are urged to make a regular "gift" by monthly standing order, which Mr Goodfellow said would create a reliable stream of money and "show that the people of Bradford are strongly connected to their heritage."

Businesses are also urged to join the Priestley's 100 Club, set up by JB Priestley's son Tom.

Under the scheme, for a minimum donation of £100 businesses have their names featured in programmes and the Priestley's newsletter.

Now the Priestley has developed the scheme so contributors will receive more benefits.

"These include seat plaques in the main auditorium bearing the name of the donor business or anyone they would like to nominate and a prominent display in our foyer, of the business logo or personal name if wished," said Mr Goodfellow.

An application form for the club is printed below.