IT was champers and cake all round for staff at the theatre Royal, Winchester, as they celebrated their 90th anniversary in style.

Workers made the most of the party mood, but they are also keen to create a more permanent reminder of the special birthday.

A book documenting the rich and varied history of the theatre is being compiled to stand the test of time.

Staff are appealing for anyone with a connection to the much-loved institution to come forward and share their memories and pictures.

Lucy Clark, marketing assistant at the theatre, said: "We are putting a call out to anyone with a connection to the theatre that has not been documented before to get in touch. Maybe they or a relative worked here or they may have met someone here that they subsequently married."

A list of names and addresses is currently being gathered and theatre staff will get in touch with people for specific quotes and pictures later.

Ms Clark added: "We are already getting calls from people and it's really interesting to hear what people have to say. It puts into perspective where the theatre is today and where we've come from."

The Theatre Royal began life as The Market Hotel in 1850, but was put up for sale in 1912.

It was bought by the Simpkin Brothers, who produced silent Hollywood movies, and opened its doors in 1914 after its redevelopment into an auditorium and stage.

Sound was installed in 1929 and the first Cinemascope film, The Robe, was shown in 1954.

It was only thanks to the efforts of a local action group that the building was saved from the bulldozers in 1974 and it reopened four years later. It closed in 1996 for redevelopment and reopened in 2002.

Anyone with information for the new book should contact Madelaine Smith on 01962 844600.