A grant to the tune of £250 has been awarded to Wootton Bassett’s Light Operatic Society.

The town council awarded the funds as part of its annual local grants scheme to help the society buy a new pair of black stage curtains.

Town councillor Paul Heaphy said: “WBLOS raise a lot of funds themselves, and we are happy to help them achieve their target a little quicker so they can continue to entertain the residents of Wootton Bassett.”

With a 33-year history in Wootton Bassett, WBLOS run at least two shows a year, with the next performance, Mother Goose, planned for the new year.

WBLOS vice president and founder member Sheila Dunn is very grateful for the grant.

She said: “It is getting harder and harder to fund these shows. It’s so expensive now to put on a show. You have to choose a popular one to get people on seats.”

She expressed her enthusiasm to see more people take part in WBLOS’ shows.

“We are more than happy for people to help us, whether it is funding or volunteers,” she said, adding that there are always things to do, both on stage and off.

“We need people to find props and there are costumes which need altering and, of course, people who would like to come and sing and dance,” she said.

To help WBLOS visit www.wblos.org.uk. Groups that would like to apply for a grant should contact the town council at 117 High Street or call (01793) 850222.