VISITORS to the Met arts centre in Bury will soon be enjoying a more comfortable experience -- thanks to a £72,500 grant from the National Lottery.

The boost, announced by North West Arts Board yesterday, will be spent on a new seating system for the main theatre, replacing the uncomfortable seating which has been in use at the venue since it first opened in the mid-70s.

Other improvements will include new lighting and signs outside, theatre staging, sound system, better access for the disabled and computers.

Ged Kelly, director of The Met, said: "We are very grateful to North West Arts Board and the National Lottery for their generosity in making this award.

"We've long been aware that the quality of our facilities doesn't always match up to the quality of the artists we present -- this money will allow us to take a big step towards giving visitors to the Met the experience that they deserve."

Bury Council is making repairs to the listed building's Victorian structure, including the roof, and refurbishment of the decaying 19th century windows.

The Met will be closed early next year while the work takes place.