Staff at the Wycombe Swan say they are "delighted" their bid for government cash to help them through the devastating effect of the coronavirus outbreak was a success.

The government has awarded Wycombe Arts Management, which runs the theatre, £248,248 to help deal with the challenges of lockdown.

The theatre has been shut since March, forcing the delay or cancellation of hundreds of shows until at least January 31 next year - including the incredibly popular annual panto.

ALSO READ: Father of teen killed in horror crash slams 'reckless and idiotic' driving of 17-year-old spared jail

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Arts Council England announced the £257 million cash boost to theatres, galleries, museums, arts organisations and other local venues to help save them and make sure they have a "sustainable" future.

The Wycombe Swan applied for a grant of under £1 million as part of the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund.

Announcing news of their success, the Wycombe Swan said: "We are delighted to confirm that our bid for support through the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Arts Council England Culture Recovery Fund has been successful.

"This vital lifeline means we will be #HereForCulture now, and into the future."

ALSO READ: Anger as driver 'blasts car horn with headlights off in the middle of the night'

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country - from the Beamish museum in County Durham to the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Bristol Old Vic.

“This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”