PRINCE Edward has agreed to become Royal patron of a fund-raising campaign aiming to raise £6million to rebuild a Kent theatre.

The news is a boost for the Marlowe Theatre Development Trust which has pledged the money to the £24million development of the theatre in Canterbury.

The Earl of Wessex, who has hands-on experience of working in the theatre and arts, was persuaded to support the project after meeting the campaign board vice-chairman, Peter Williams.

Mr Williams said: "It is fantastic news he has agreed to be our Royal patron and we will meet him regularly to discuss our progress.

"He is not just going to be a name on a letterhead but fully involved in everything we do."

Other patrons include the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett, and Lord Bruce-Lockhart, who is the campaign’s president.