A touring theatre company has raised more than £12,000 towards its Kent-wide summer tour in a month.

Maidstone-based Changeling Theatre which celebrates its 20th anniversary tour this year, launched the gofundme campaign last month.

Artistic director Rob Forknall announced the news that the campaign had achieved its goal this week saying: "Kent, I'm so proud of you."

He said: "I cannot believe that this has happened. We have got over £12,000.

"Thank you so much to everybody who's donated. Some of them have been incredible donations. It's theatre and we've been so badly hit."

Venues and dates for the tour of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be announced on the May Bank Holiday Monday.

Auditions for actors for the show have been taking place this week.

The company is also looking for an apprentice aged between17 and 22 from Kent who wants to join the tour.

To apply, go to changeling-theatre.com

For more stage news across Kent click here.