A GROUP of Preston performers is desperate for more men to take to the stage so the love-lorn females won't be all alone.

The Gilbert and Sullivan Society urgently needs more tenors, basses and baritones for next season's production.

At the moment more than two thirds of the 40-strong troupe are female.

Society secretary Janet Dawson said: "We just about scraped through for last season's HMS Pinafore and Trial By Jury, but now it's getting drastic.

"Operas always have a love theme. Men are more shy and think they can't step out on stage, but if they give it a go they'll get carried away with everybody's enthusiasm.

"It's thoroughly enjoyable."

The Society will start rehearsing its next production at its new venue of St Michaels and All-Angels Church Hall, Ashton, on September 2. The story of The Sorcerer centres around a magical love potion, and will be performed at the refurbished Charter Theatre next April.

Singers and helpers are always needed. Contact Janet Dawson on 01772-616107 to get involved and for details of social evenings. The next event is a beetle drive at the church hall on August 5 at 7.30pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.