THE star appeal of Coronation Street actor Leon Ockenden did wonders for Trowbridge Town Hall Arts as a play he was part of proved to be its most successful one ever.

Thriller Stone Cold Murder took place in the venue's foyer, just before Christmas, with the actor, who played Will Chatterton in the soap, performing alongside Joseph Chance, Michael Dixon and Imogen Irving as well.

Tracy Sullivan, director of Town Hall Arts, hailed the play, which was put together by James Cawood after Town Hall Arts and the Dorset Corset Theatre Company received cash from Arts Council England to stage the show, as a huge success.

"The show went really well. It was our highest grossing show, with more people seeing it than anything else we've had here, many of whom hadn't been here before, so it was really good," she said.

"Dorset Corset Theatre Company will return, I'm sure, funding permitting. We do not know who will perform in future shows but we hope to continue to attract well regarded, accomplished actors as well as provide opportunities for emerging actors.

"We offered 50 free tickets to 16-19-year-olds and a lot of young people took up this option. The cast loved it and brought a lot of friends and family to see it along with the writer James Cawood who was thrilled to see his play performed in the space. It was definitely a success."