King John School has won the backing of Prime Suspect star Helen Mirren in its bid to become a £500,000 arts college.

The school hopes to win funding from the Department for Education and Employment after the closure of Basildon's Towngate Theatre and the future of the Palace Theatre in Westcliff being thrown into jeopardy.

Ian Yeoman, headteacher of the school in Shipwrights Drive, Thundersley, said: "Examination results in drama, dance and music and our various stage productions and concerts are very pleasing.

"The talent of our children constantly impresses me. We would really like to increase facilities and resources in the locality and expand opportunity."

Actress Helen, a former Westcliff schoolgirl, and her husband Taylor Hackford have pledged their support by becoming patrons of the project.

She has also thrown her support behind the campaign to save the Palace Theatre which is closing down for nine months but hopes to re-open under new management.

Ms Mirren said: "It's wonderful to see King John School taking the initiative to improve the arts provision in the area. They have my full support."

The school must now raise £100,000 to be eligible to submit the bid in June which - if successful - would be matched by the education department.

It would also mean the school would receive at least £300,000 over the next three years to build and improve arts within the school.

Mr Yeoman said: "If successful in our bid, it could mean around half a million pounds for the school to spend on facilities, equipment and staffing so that we could expand our provision for those areas of the curriculum."

Anyone who would like to offer sponsorship or help in any other way, should contact deputy head Joan Costello at the school on 01702 558284.

Support - Helen Mirren

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