Theatre audiences put their hands in their pockets to raise almost £8,000 to help the victims of Manchester's bombing.

Audiences for the 20th anniversary tour of RENT the Musical at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells raised the funds after the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, which left 22 people dead and dozens injured.

The show opened at the Kent theatre the day after the attack on Monday, May 22 and the production company decided to show support for the victims. With the backing of the theatre, a collection was made after each performance.

Show director Bruce Guthrie said: "Myself and the RENT company were greatly moved by the generosity of audiences. We had a great week at the Assembly Hall and such a lovely venue to finish the tour."

Theatre director John-Jackson (JJ) Almond, added: "We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support."

The money will be handed over to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund in partnership with the British Red Cross and will go towards helping the families and dependents of those killed and injured in the attack.