The Island’s only theatre will soon be fitted with a disabled lift after winning a public vote.

Sheppey Little Theatre went head-to-head with Big Fish Arts to receive a grant of more than £50,000 and it has just been announced that the theatre was successful in its bid.

The grant is through the Big Lottery Fund’s The People’s Millions 2008 and the theatre in Meyrick Road is going to spend the money on a disabled ‘Lift for Life’ up into the auditorium.

A short film about both the theatre and Big Fish Arts was shown on the ITV Meridian evening news on Thursday and phone numbers were then announced for the public to phone and vote.

On Friday a TV crew from Meridian showed up at the theatre, and all the assembled members had no idea they had won, until the presenter produced a novelty cheque for £55,577.

Derek Friday, chairman, said: “We are over the moon we have won the money as we can now complete our project of disabled facilities.

“Thank you to everyone who voted – every single person that made a phone call has helped us achieve our aim.”

The theatre plans to hold an open day once the lift has been installed where people will be able to come in and look around to see the work that has been done.

Daphne Stride, whose husband Alec was a founding member of the theatre with Richard Moreton, said: “It is a very proud day for the theatre, and I know my husband would be delighted.”

Karen Houston, a member of the Sheppey Singers, said: “I work at a care home, so I know hoe important it is to have access.

“We have a lot of people who would have loved to come and see us sing.

“I’m thrilled.”