A society which regularly performs musicals in Grays has just been awarded a grant of £1,190 which will enable them to purchase much needed lighting equipment.

As a result of their successful application to the Gannett Foundation, run by the Echo and Thurrock Gazette's parent company Gannett, TOPS On Stage will now be able to purchase two new multicoloured spotlights.

The new equipment will greatly improve the visual effects of their regular productions at the Thameside Theatre.

Vice chairman John Hunting said: “We are delighted to have received this grant and hope to have the spotlights ready for our next production, which will be the successful hit musical Made in Dagenham, which runs from March 22 to 24 .

The show tells the story, which is based on true events, about women machinists in 1968 who went on strike to ask for equality with men on the production lines.

As a result, the whole Dagenham factory was eventually brought to a standstill.

People who would like to see the show can book tickets online at www.topsonstage.co.uk or contact the Thameside Theatre box office for more information