Acting Manager, Neil Thomson, said: "This is wonderful news for the theatre, its staff and the communities of Blackpool and the Fylde coast. We have been working hard at improving our access facilities, appointing Robbie Pendlebury as Access Officer. We now offer more signed interpreted and audio described performances than ever. All front of house, box office and food and beverage personnel are trained in Welcome All and Welcome Host."

Robbie Pendlebury, Grand Theatre Access Officer, added: "The theatre has shown extreme determination to provide equal access for all theatre goers, with staff training, better access and increased signed and audio described performances. The results of this effort have seen the transformation of the theatre, which is why I am so please that the theatre was presented with the welcome all award. This is the start to a new and exciting access programme planned for 2007." -- www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk