Sir Michael Parkinson is backing a £5million fundraising bid to renovate his home town’s theatre.

The chat show legend is calling for donations to help restore the venue to its former glory by 2023.

A third of the Civic in Barnsley, South Yorks, is empty and its traditional front entrance and foyer is not connected to the rest of the building.

Sir Michael, 81, a patron of the venue in the town where he was raised, said: “Barnsley can be proud of the contribution it has made to the world of literature, theatre, radio, television, music and sport.

“That is why this campaign is important and why I am proud to be a patron of the Civic. ”

The Grade II listed building dates to 1877.

A modern extension was opened in 2009, but a third of the historic building is unoccupied and its traditional front entrance and foyer is disconnected from the rest of the building.

Helen Ball, CEO of the theatre, said: "The Civic represents the heart of Barnsley.

"Our vision is to reinstate the historic main entrance and re-connect it to the town and its people, returning The Civic to its rightful former glory.

"It's about giving The Civic back to the people, and ensuring Barnsley's future as a significant cultural destination."