Theatregoers have given a £5,000 boost to the struggling Priestley Centre after the Telegraph and Argus launched a campaign to save it.

Around 1,500 people went to support last week's production of The Cherry Orchard, ensuring the theatre was two thirds full for the week-long run.

Queues formed around the block of the troubled Little Germany theatre, as people turned up with T&A coupons offering discount seat prices.

The successful run puts the Priestley on track to achieve its target of £10,000 by the end of October, stopping it from going into voluntary liquidation.

Artistic director Glenn Boldy said the T&A's Save the Priestley campaign with its discount ticket coupons had sparked a very positive response from people visiting the theatre - some for the first time.

He said: "We have had a lot of response from people who aren't members who want to support us.

"People have come because they didn't quite realise where we were or what we were doing - the campaign has really helped awareness of the Priestley.

"Everyone who came to see the play said they want us to continue here. We hope those people who might not have visited before but have enjoyed their evening will now come back and continue to support us."

Director of the theatre Christiaan Hohenzollern said some generous T&A readers had paid full price for tickets, despite turning up with discount coupons, in a bid to help the theatre.

"There has been an amazing response. We had people queuing right round the block," he said.

"I am overwhelmed by the support from the T&A. Thanks to you, the people of Bradford are owning their theatre again.

"We've had a lot of donations. It's wonderful to see so many people coming into this theatre and seeing what we are all about."

A wardrobe sale of costumes from past productions - some of them antiques and designer labels - is expected to start at the end of the week as phase two of the fundraising campaign gets underway.