The transformation of the city's Theatre Royal into a "world-class" venue has moved a step closer, with organisers revealing the vast majority of the money needed for the project has now been raised.

Scottish Opera said £12 million of the £12.45 million target to transform its Victorian home has been collected.

The milestone was reached with cash from hundreds of individual donors, adding to support from the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and various trusts and foundations.

The opera company has now launched a drive to help raise the remaining funds needed for the scheme.

Scottish Opera's Alex Reedijk said: "We couldn't have done this without our supporters and I'm particularly thrilled by the warmth of feeling towards the theatre that has seen over 900 individual donors generously help us to get this far.

"We're now reaching out to everyone who's enjoyed nights-out at the Theatre Royal and everyone who believes that Glasgow deserves a world-class theatre to ask them to get involved, give their support to the campaign and help us achieve our target."

The theatre facilities and public access are set to be improved under the multi-million pound facelift.

Work is already under way on a new entrance while new lifts, foyers, bars and toilets feature in the plans.

The project would also see the introduction of arts education rooms and a roof-top terrace, in time for the Commonwealth Games being hosted in the city next summer.

Colin McClatchie, chairman of Scottish Opera's board, said: "Glasgow has a wonderful cultural tradition, recognised through being both a European City of Culture and a Unesco City of Music, and the Theatre Royal has played its part in those achievements over its 146-year history.

"These improvements to the theatre's public spaces will give Glasgow a theatre to be proud of and ensure it continues to provide enjoyment for its audiences for many more years to come."