Teddington’s Landmark Arts Centre has been celebrating the arrival of its own concert grand piano.

The Centre, a registered charity, long dreamt of having a concert piano and launched a fundraiser four years ago.

The public appeal to Sponsor a Piano Key struck a chord with local people and the majority of the £22,000 raised came from individual donations - proving how valued the venue is.

The piano made its performance debut at the Landmark on January 6, with a concert given by the Thames Youth Orchestra.

Centre manager, Lesley Bossine, said: “It seemed entirely fitting to us that the first pianist to make use of our lovely piano was a young musician in the early stages of their performing career.

"We are overjoyed to finally realise our ambition and deeply grateful to everyone who supported our appeal to make it happen.”

Since taking over the derelict former church of St Alban the Martyr in the early 1990s - transforming it into a vibrant community arts venue - the Landmark gradually improved its facilities as funds allowed.

However, the lack of a concert piano limited the range of artists - both established names and new emerging performers - that could perform within the magnificent building.

Boosted by the proceeds of a number of fundraising events, including a concert by local classical pianist Joseph Tong, the purchase was finally made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Humphrey Richardson Taylor Charitable Trust.

The Landmark is running a short series of four Sunday afternoon Chamber music concerts in January and February, where the piano will take centre stage.

Tickets are on sale now, go to landmarkartscentre.org for details or call 020 8977 7558.