The musical director of a world-famous brass band has appealed for the public to give their backing to Harrogate's Royal Hall theatre, which faces an £8m repair bill.

David Hirst, who leads the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, made his plea from the stage of the Royal Hall, which is facing the repairs crisis because concrete used in its 1903 construction is deteriorating.

Mr Hirst, whose band was famous in 1977 for backing Terry Wogan on his hit record, The Floral Dance, told the 900-strong audience: "This building is part of the Harrogate heritage, part of the tone of Harrogate."

He urged the audience, reduced in capacity because the theatre's upper circle has been closed due to the crumbling concrete, to "get those letters in" and back restoration.

Mr Hirst said he and the band wanted to return for a repeat concert next year.

Earlier, Terence Harrison, chairman of Harrogate Gilbert and Sullivan Society, made a passionate plea from the front of the theatre for its restoration rather than demolition, which remains an option.

Following the appeals, there was a huge round of applause.

Mr Harrison urged members of the audience who wanted to secure the hall's future to write to Harrogate Borough Council expressing their views.

He said the Royal Hall not only provided an ideal venue for amateur societies, but also staged other entertainment.

The theatre is run by Harrogate International Centre (HIC) as part of its conference and exhibition complex.

A major public consultation exercise is planned to gauge views about the Royal Hall's future, with experts due to report to the board about possible options.

There are hopes that repairing the building could attract up to £6m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Royal Hall was built in 1903 by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham, who won international fame for designing 150 theatres.