SIR Terry Leahy paid a visit to the Royal Court theatre to hear about its multi-million pound regeneration plans.

The former Tesco chief executive then hosted a special dinner at the city’s West Tower for a small number of key supporters of the Royal Court Liverpool Trust.

Speaking ahead of the dinner Belle Vale-bred Sir Terry, who stepped down as boss of supermarket giant Tesco earlier this year, said: “'I’m delighted to visit the Royal Court to hear more of the plans to improve the theatre and support the project to renovate this wonderful building in the heart of Liverpool.

“I'm looking forward to meeting the architect, Paul Monaghan, who like myself is a former pupil of St Edward's College.

“Tonight brings key people from the public and private sector together to help the Trust move forward with their plans.

“Developing strong partnerships are important for the continuing regeneration of our region and will play a key role in achieving the renovation of the Royal Court Theatre.”

The Grade II-listed Roe Street landmark unveiled its plans for a £10.6m restoration project three years ago.

It has already secured £112,000 Heritage Lottery funding to help complete its planning application to Liverpool City Council, which recently gave the scheme the green light.