A WINCHESTER landmark has celebrated its centenary.

On Sunday (August 24) the Theatre Royal celebrated its opening, 100 years ago to the day, with a cake and other birthday activities to entertain visitors.

A vintage King Alfred bus ran from the Broadway to the theatre, in Jewry Street and the stage was made into a grassy area for garden games.

The venue, originally built as a hotel in the 19th century, opened as a cine-variety theatre in 1914 before specialising in films.

It was nearly demolished in the 1970s to make way for a supermarket before a group of local residents formed an action group to rescue it in August 1974.

The six fought to get the building listed and eventually bought it for £35,000. Four of the six met earlier this year to reminisce about the campaign.