ONE of the founders of a Malvern's Sky in the Pie puppet theatre has set up a new company in Hereford.

Performer Rob Ashman has started the Sea-Legs Puppet Theatre Company to produce shows and run puppet-making workshops for children.

He has commissioned Matthew Hart, of Malvern, who helped him found the Sky in the Pie company in 1996, to make his puppet booth in the shape of a lighthouse.

"It's going to be at least 9ft tall and up to 4ft wide and will have to be easily dismantled so that I can get it in my car. That's where Matthew's design skills come in," he said.

Rob stayed with Sky in the Pie until 1998 and subsequently directed some of their productions, besides working with Hereford-based Red Box Theatre and puppeteer Madmex.

He plans to take puppet shows and workshops to schools, theatres, play schemes and festivals throughout the region. His first show, written in collaboration with Johnny Cartwright, of Hereford, will be given a trial run at Colwall Primary at the end of the summer term.

Called The Biggest Fish Ever and set in the red-and-white striped lighthouse, it is narrated by Shadrack the lighthouse keeper.

The story, which is suitable for children aged five and over, revolves around Tom, a foolish young fisherman who falls in love with a beautiful mermaid called Sirenetta.

His quest to win her heart leads him on an underwater voyage of discovery, where he meets a host of colourful characters from the shy hermit crab to the mighty sea wizard, creator of storms and ruler of the sea.

"There will be about eight puppets, including a slimy seaweed character and a magic starfish. I'm still making them," said Rob. "In fact, I'm doing everything, from trying to raise funds and do some marketing to presenting the show."