Dame Judi Dench calls plans to scrap arts funding in Suffolk 'heart-breaking'

Dame Judi Dench says she's 'deeply shocked' by a Suffolk authority's plan to scrap its art funding.

Last week, Suffolk County Council announced it would be cutting £65 million from its budget - £500,000 of which would come from the arts sector.

The Hollywood actress, who's a patron of the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, has now released a statement via the theatre, condemning the move.

It reads: "As Theatre Royal’s Life Patron, I am deeply shocked to hear of the proposed cut to its funding by Suffolk County Council.

"Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds plays a vital role in the lives of so many, especially those most vulnerable.

"The removal of this support is heart-breaking, regional theatre is the foundation of British theatre and its place in our lives must be protected."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.