An Ilkley theatre group, homeless for more than a decade, is hoping to move into permanent headquarters by the end of March.

And the Ilkley Upstagers are hoping their new status will encourage more youngsters to become involved with the company.

Formed 11 years ago, the group, now a charity, was given a grant of £194,252 from the National Lottery in July 1997 to put towards its £315,000 Barn Project - a scheme to refurbish the Barn building, between the winter Gardens and the Midland Pub.

After a further £16,500 was donated to the group by the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, the rest of the costs for the project were met by a massive fund-raising campaign and work has now begun to convert the Barn into rehearsal studios and production rooms.

The move will put an end to the group's nomadic existence, which has involved rehearsing and meeting at a host of venues around Ilkley since its foundation in 1987.

Upstagers publicity officer Jackie Hannon said: "Because we'll soon be able to move into the Barn, we'd now like to throw open our doors to other people who'd like to come and join us.

"At the very least, we offer youngsters somewhere to go and something to do - it builds up their self confidence and channels them.

"People who join can get involved in all sorts of things - they can learn about lighting and production, giving them skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives."

To publicise the group, members of its pantomime cast will be at Guiseley's Morrisons at 7.15pm on Thursday December 17 handing out leaflets promoting its annual pantomime production, Aladdin, which will run from Friday January 29 to Saturday February 6 at the King's Hall, Ilkley.

Information will also be available about the group's Drama Vox workshops for youngsters from the age of six upwards, which run on Wednesday evenings at All Saints school, Ilkley, during term time.

Anyone wanting to know more about the group and how to join should contact Jill Jackson on 01943 830438.

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