Famous comedian Russell Brand has written to Michael Gove pleading with him to help save his childhood theatre in south Essex.

The star told the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities the "community should not suffer because of poor decisions" by Thurrock Council.

The cash-strapped Tory-run council has debts of £1.5 billion and is considering selling its Thameside theatre complex in Grays.

Thameside was recently named in Theatres Trust's "at risk" list for a second year in a row.

Brand, who performed at the venue as a child, said he wanted the council to accept the "viable" offer already made by the Save Your Thameside campaign.

The letter shared with the BBC says: "The local taxpayers should not suffer because the council lost its path investing in ideas that have not yielded fruit.

"Closing the theatre would be another mistake.

"I urge you to intervene and ensure that those whose actions have put the theatre at risk are not able to close it down."

Brand also asked Mr Gove to meet him "urgently" to discuss what his department could do to "ensure support for this vital community asset".

Thurrock Council leader Mark Coxshall previously said "everything is on the table" regarding the sale of assets.

A government spokesman told BBC Essex: "The department does not have a role in the sale of council-owned assets.

"In the context of the financial challenges facing Thurrock Council it is right that the authority, with the oversight of Essex County Council as commissioner, consider all options to improve its financial sustainability.

"It is the department's expectation that the council will consider the best interests of local residents as part of any decision in relation to asset disposal."