A WATERFOOT-based theatre company is hoping to boost its volunteer force and has issued an SOS to anyone who fancies getting involved.

The Horse and Bamboo Theatre, Bacup Road, is Lancashire's only Arts Council-funded national touring theatre company.

Andrew Rawlinson, Horse and Bamboo's general manager, said: "We are very keen on attracting more volunteers. The company has gone from strength to strength in the past few years and we have recruited a host of great patrons, including actress Jane Horrocks, fashion designer Betty Jackson, Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, and most recently Lisa Stansfield. But we urgently need to boost our volunteer force."

Andrew said Horse and Bamboo, which was formed 25 years ago and has always been based in Rossendale, is on the lookout for a range of volunteers.

He added: "We would love to hear from anyone who fancies helping out in any way, but there are some specific tasks that we always seem to need a hand with, such as mailing out news and bulletins. It would be invaluable if we could find someone who is keen on chipping in occasionally on routine building maintenance jobs. For our part, we guarantee volunteers a lovely, relaxed, creative and friendly environment to work in and a flexible approach to their involvement."

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact Andrew or George Harris on 01706 220241, or email horse.bamboo@ zen.co.uk