A COMMUNITY is rallying behind a youth theatre group after fire destroyed props and costumes worth £10,000.

More than £1,100 has already been raised for Monmouth’s Savoy Youth Theatre on a Just Giving page, and people across the town have been busy washing fire damaged items that were salvaged.

The group has also announced a special fundraising show featuring theatre members and professional actors at the town’s Savoy Theatre on Sunday, July 22.

The blaze broke out at the youth theatre’s rehearsal rooms in White Swan Court, early on Thursday, May 11. 

Group director Sam Densham said at the time: “Many of the props and costumes are irreparable as well as irreplaceable. 

“This is a big set back for the group which is a voluntary-run, non-profit organisation. 

“We would be hugely grateful for support by the local community to get us through this difficult time.”

The alarm was raised at 4am when smoke was seen coming out of the rehearsal room above the bridal shop.

Firefighters from Monmouth and Ross rushed to the scene and managed to contain the blaze, which is thought to have started in a cupboard before spreading into the main room.

Costumes, props and puppets were badly smoke damaged, but the local community rallied to help with the clear-up.

Local business Timpson offered to clean costumes for free, while County Builders provided gloves, masks and bags to help clear up the damage.

For more information about the group, go to www.facebook.com/SavoyYouth Theatre/ and to donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savoyyouththeatre

Tickets for the fundraising show are available now from monmouth-savoy.co.uk