THE future is looking for bright for Upton's youth theatre group as it relishes its new independence.

The Peppercorns is now a separate group from the Pepperpot Players, Upton's adult theatre organisation.

Porla Hickman, for the Peppercorns, said there had been problems with administration when the group was part of the Pepperpot Players, and she hoped the separation would help solve them.

Now the Peppercorns has its own executive committee and constitution. Its first committee meeting was held on Tuesday following the decision to become independent a week ago.

A fundraising drive for new equipment is underway and there are plans to register the group as a charitable trust.

Ms Hickman said she felt the move was better for the children.

"It's a lovely friendly atmosphere where they will be nurtured," she said.

Positive word of mouth about the Peppercorns is such that there is currently a waiting list of children wanting to join.

She appealed for those interested in supporting the group to contact her. Patrons are needed to help in the drive to achieve charitable status. A total of £500 has already been pledged and several grant applications are currently being prepared.

Rehearsals for the group's Christmas show start on Thursday, ahead of the performance on December 20 at the Memorial Hall. The show is a medley of song and dance to do with Christmas, both traditional and modern.

The children are also due to perform a show with local guitarist and composer Dan Pianto, who is writing some original material for them. He became associated with the Peppercorns through a friend and his CDs have been on sale at Peppercorns events.

For more information about the Peppercorns, contact Porla Hickman on 01684 591392.