Restoration of a Greek island

Greece's bountiful islands have long been popular with families seeking a relaxing holiday of beaches and smoky tavernas, as well as backpackers who have caught the island-hopping bug.

However, Greece is of course a land rich in history, with features such as the Acropolis in Athens, while culture extends to its many isles.

The Greek island of Leros has long been home to a famous, yet effectively dormant theatre after it was bombed during the second world war.

Lakki, one of the finest examples of art deco design in Europe, was built by Mussolini in the 1930s, and there was no better example of art deco architecture than its theatre.

Since the bombing, the damaged building has been used as an open-air cinema, but following an EU grant, it is ready to be restored to its original purpose and glory.

The grant will see the roof of the theatre returned, the plush velvet seating restored throughout, as well the re-installation of the original 1936 popcorn maker – what was then a futuristic wonder.

The work is set to be finished by the end of 2006, when holidaymakers will be able to spend a relaxing break admiring the architecture of Lakki and Leros, as well as taking in the first theatrical productions to have appeared in the theatre in more than 60 years.

In addition to this restoration, the Byzantine Castle above the capital of Leros, Platanos, has also received a grant to rebuild its faded façade. The castle contains an open-air performance area, bar and museum.

The only holiday operator to take travellers to the island of Leros is Laskarina Holidays. Its managing director, Ian Murdoch, said: "The restoration of these two magnificent buildings on Leros is fantastic news. The island boasts some unrivalled architecture and it’s wonderful to see some of these buildings being returned to their full splendour and usage."

For more information on holidays to Leros, visit www.laskarina.co.uk XXX