DECORATORS have discovered an historic painting surrounding the stage at Settle's Victoria Hall which could be unique in Britain.

Builders have nearly completed renovation work on the building, which dates back to 1853 and is thought to be the oldest music hall in Britain.

James Cokell, a Settle painter and decorator, was working on the walls surrounding the front of the stage when he unearthed the painting.

Running above and around the front of the stage, it features theatrical curtains and Acanthus leaves and acorns.

English Heritage have inspected the painting and are said to be thrilled by the find, which took three days to fully reveal.

Trustees of the Victoria Hall believe the painting forms the frame to the actdrop which readers may recall was discovered last April and features Settle town centre in the 1820s.

When the actdrop, currently being restored, is placed together with the frame, Trustees believe the effect will be stunning.

Deirdre Cokell, of the charitable company Settle Victoria Hall Ltd, said: "It looks like the frame to the actdrop.

"It's exactly the same period but some repair work will have to be done to it.

"It is certainly Victorian and is about a yard wide."

Project manager Allan Aspden added: "Everyone is very excited about it as it could be the only one of its kind.

"We are hoping to get the funding to restore it."

Residents will be able to see the refurbished Victoria Hall and the newly discovered painting on Saturday March 3, when the official opening takes place.

Unfortunately work to restore the actdrop is unlikely to be completed in time for the opening day.

Settle residents raised in excess of £25,000 towards the project, which is costing over £345,000 in total and will create a community centre and fully refurbished hall.

Providing meeting rooms for various community groups, a new kitchen and dressing rooms, the work will bring the hall into the 21st century.

The stage has been refurbished with new balcony seating, an enlarged foyer, increased storage and a lift providing disabled access.

As home to dramatic and operatic productions the Victoria Hall has a long theatrical history but it is also hoped that the community centre will be well used and could provide a centre for vocational and non-vocational classes