VOLUNTEERS behind a stage show for scouts and guides are facing a drama over costumes.

Every 18 months Jacky Duncan and Marlene Scotford drag out thousands of outfits in preparation for the children and adults taking part in the Gang Show.

For years they have been storing them in a room at the Pinehurst People's Centre, but now that storage space is under threat.

In the near future that building is set to be torn down to make way for the new Headlands Academy, which will leave the Scouts with nowhere to store the 9,000 costumes.

The Swindon Gang Show had been scheduled to take place on November 29 to 30 at the Wyvern but organisers were forced to cancel when asbestos was found in the theatre's roof.

Now the organisations are appealing to anyone who might be able to help them.

"It's a bit of a double blow for us this year," said Jacky.

"Firstly we couldn't put on the show in November because of the asbestos problems there, and now we face losing our costume store as well so we urgently need to find a new home for it all."

The outfits are kept in a storeroom at the centre, some are hung up and others kept on shelves in the 20ft by 10ft room, and a similar-sized room is needed.

"It needs to be easily accessible by us," said Jacky. "It also needs to be local and most of all it needs to be dry.

"We do pay rent for the room, and we are prepared to do so, but ideally we would be looking for somewhere with a reduced rate because the show is held for the enjoyment of the Scouts and not so much to make money."

The costumes have been collected over several years, and added to as the Gang Show adds more themes. The 150-strong cast normally change into six different sets of attire in one show, which goes some way to explain the vast number being stored.

"The children were really disappointed that the show couldn't go ahead last year.

"It's not every day they get to go up on stage and perform in front of lots of people, but we were able to put on a small show at Kingsdown School, where the show is rehearsed."

The Wyvern's asbestos has now been cleared, but it is not known exactly when the theatre will re-open.

Anyone who can help the scouts and guides with their outfit storage can call Jacky on 01793 724217 or e-mail her at jacky_duncan@hotmail.com