THEATRE lovers can do their bit for the town by helping at the newly-refurbished Palace Theatre when it re-opens in April.

The Alcester Street theatre is looking for volunteers to work in the kiosk, bar, cloakroom and coffee room, as well as performing front-of-house duties, selling programmes and merchandise and helping publicise events.

They also have the chance to become chaperones, looking after children while they are performing.

Voluntary work is also available in stage management, crewing for shows, fly work, spotlight and sound operation, with opportunities to assist the lighting technician with lighting design, and to learn about health and safety guidelines.

The theatre's publicity manager Paul Hughes said: "If you would like to get involved in any part of the volunteer operation, then please contact us. You can be sure of a warm welcome!"

All volunteers must be over 18 and the Palace will organise the necessary CRB check and health check through Redditch Council. Anyone interested can call 61544.