DIRECTORS of East Anglia's largest touring theatre company have been celebrating after they were given a funding reprieve by arts chiefs.Eastern Angles faced losing half its Arts Council grant in a round of cost-cutting by the funding body, which distributes Government money.

DIRECTORS of East Anglia's largest touring theatre company have been celebrating last night after they were given a funding reprieve by arts chiefs.

Eastern Angles faced losing half its Arts Council grant in a round of cost-cutting by the funding body, which distributes Government money.

But the Ipswich-based group, which tours plays to village halls, schools and community centres, has now been told its funding will be restored.