ONE of Farnworth Little Theatre's longest-standing dramas has come to a happy end -- with members finally securing its future.

The group now owns the theatre building in which hundreds of its productions have been staged.

Farnworth Little Theatre was started in a cottage in the town by five young men keen to find a stage on which to showcase their work.

It found temporary accommodation in the Co-op Hall before being thrown out by weekend dances, and even used a room above a pub for a period in its history.

However, its final base has been at its current home in Cross Street, Farnworth.

But the twist to the tale came when the previous owners of the building, Farnworth Parish Church, decided it had to sell.

The theatre had rented the building up until that time but members were given first refusal to buy it, as specified on the lease.

That was four years ago, and after a great deal of saving and fund-raising, the final instalment was paid towards the end of last year. The deeds were handed over this week.

A spokesman for the theatre, Mr Norman Pickles, said: "There is a tremendous feeling of relief. We now know the building is ours for as long as people want theatre in Farnworth."

But the theatre -- which has had Frank Finlay and playwright Jim Cartwright among its members -- does not intend to stand still. Mr Pickles added: "We are short of space. The bar area is not big enough, and it would be nice to have more dressing rooms, as well as a workshop."

When the group first arrived, the building was shared with Farnworth congregations. The company had use of a large -- but empty -- hall. Members had to build a stage, put in seating and create a control room. They also built the bar area.

Only now they are able to sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labour.