Actor George Layton today pledged to help save the Priestley Centre - and offered to stage a one-man show to raise funds for the theatre.

Bradford-born George said: "Out of all the projects I've been asked to support, this is the one I'm saying yes to.

"The Priestley is very close to my heart - it's where I spent my Saturday mornings as a child.

"To me it's still the Civic, which is what it was then. I started my acting career there and learned more about drama than I ever did at school.

"The Priestley kept me sane. It gave me confidence and a purpose in life, and got me through adolescence. I was in dozens of productions there.

"It's extremely sad that it now faces such problems. I'm desperate to help."

George trained at RADA and is now an accomplished actor, writer and director. His TV roles include Sunburn, Minder and It Ain't Half Hot Mum. Last year he starred in West End hit Chicago.

He also penned sitcoms Don't Wait Up and Executive Stress and has written books based on his Bradford childhood.

Born and raised in Manningham, George's memories of 1950s Bradford inspired him to write a collection of stories in his books The Fib and The Swap.

Now he is offering to read from them on the Priestley's stage.

"I've been trying to think how I can help. I'd love to come back to do something at the Priestley," he said.

"I could read from my books. I did some readings on stage in London and they went down a storm. Audiences loved the Bradford connection - it reminded them of Billy Liar.

"There are certain things Bradford has to hold onto - the Priestley is one of them. It's a breeding ground for a world of opportunities.

"Bradford's other glory is Bradford City - how about a fundraising celebrity football match?"

Earlier this week the T&A reported that Bradford-born actor Timothy West and his actress wife Prunella Scales were supporting the campaign.

The Priestley's artistic director Glen Boldy said: "To have the support of people like this is fantastic.''