Plans to transform Tadcaster's Riley Smith Hall into a major cultural centre were unveiled today.

Selby district's new art and cultural development officer, David Osbon, said the hall was a "sleeping giant" with enough potential to compete with York's Theatre Royal and The Grand in Leeds.

Tadcaster's cultural revolution will be launched later this summer with two classic plays - followed by Humphrey Lyttleton and his band and other internationally-renowned acts.

Selby District Council has just allocated £100,000 for arts and culture this year, and some of that money has been earmarked for the 80-year-old hall.

Mr Osbon told the Evening Press: "Riley Smith Hall is a very attractive building and a superb venue - I couldn't believe it when I first went in.

"It has everything you need for major theatrical performances, and we plan to use the council cash as a lever to secure money from other sources.

"It's just sitting there, dying for things to happen. I'm determined to work with the trustees to make it a major cultural centre for the northern end of the district."

The hall will host Wind in the Willows, a musical adaptation of the children's story, on Thursday, June 21, at 7.30pm. This will be followed on Friday, July 27, by Educating Rita, Willy Russell's play made famous by the movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters.

Both plays will be performed by the Leeds-based Library Theatre Company.

Mr Osbon said he also had plans to bring theatre companies such as Hull Truck and Northern Broadsides to the hall, along with "big-name" acts such as Humphrey Lyttleton.

He would also be offering the hall for touring arts companies and artists touring the UK.

Tadcaster Civic Society secretary Terence Clarke said: "The hall is very much under-used and it's essential we promote and market it properly."

Town councillor Jean Ashton said: "Tadcaster is a bit short on culture and I fully support this initiative."

But John Locker, landlord of the White Swan, said: "Some of the older residents might support these acts, but the young ones prefer bands."

Updated: 13:04 Thursday, June 07, 2001