HERBERT STORY, who designed and supervised the conversion of Holy Trinity Church in Tunbridge Wells into a theatre and arts centre and then became Trinity’s first manager, has died. He was aged 90.

Mr Story was a former school inspector with an intense interest in modern drama fostered in his youth at Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre. He was also an accomplished artist, silversmith, graphic designer, joiner and builder.

Following a fight to save Holy Trinity Church and give new life to Tunbridge Wells’ only Grade 1 listed building, led by the Civic Society and the Tunbridge Wells Drama Club, later Trinity Theatre Club, Mr Story took on its conversion.

A volunteer, he led others prepared to give up their time to create a theatre within the church, designing the 275-seat auditorium and open stage seen today.

He negotiated with West Kent College, and later the Manpower Services Commission, to send teams of student builders to help with the work, which was completed in 1982.

At the same time he formulated his forward-thinking ideas for the artistic programme for the new Trinity Arts Centre.

This was reflected in its first season and laid the foundations for its bold programming policy. Following years saw the introduction of a youth theatre, modern art exhibitions and lunchtime concerts.

More than 150 shows a year were staged and Mr Story won financial support from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the Arts Council.

Well deserved recognition for his success came in 1986 when Mr Story was awarded the borough’s coveted Civic Medallion. He retired from Trinity in 1989, 10 years to the day from when he started.

Mr Story is survived by his wife Janina, who he met in Tanganyika during the Second World War while administering Polish and other refugee camps. They were married in 1948.

Adrian Berry, current director of Trinity Theatre, said: "Although we only met on one occasion, I was deeply saddened to hear of Herbert Story’s passing.

"Herbert is the reason that we are all here at Trinity today, and theatre companies, dance artists and musicians from all over the world have had the opportunity to have their work and creations staged in one of the best theatre spaces in the South, thanks to this one individual.

"His foresight in creating an open space for artists to be free to explore and create, his willingness to push the boundaries by programming innovative and interesting new theatre - Trinity is a testament to his vision and we are richer for it.

"Trinity will continue to push boundaries, challenge expectations and culturally contribute to this town in his honour.

"Oscar Wilde could easily have been talking of Trinity when he said - ‘The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life’. I like to think Herbert would have agreed with this. He will be greatly missed."