HUNDREDS of amateur drama groups across the country struggle to keep afloat nowadays and once-packed houses now play to just a handful of good-willed theatre-lovers keen to help keep traditional entertainment alive.

Multi-channel TV, cinema and professional productions have sucked the support from local theatre generally but especially from small drama groups who simply perform for the love of it, and ask for little in return apart from enthusiasm and bums on seats.

But one village amateur drama group has no such worries.

Ombersley Dramatic Society celebrated the success of its 100th production last week. It boasted a run of sell-out shows, with some unlucky hopefuls turned away from the show, The Wizard of Oz.

The group began in 1958 and has performed an annual average of two plays, pantomimes or musicals.

It has always had a dedicated membership of energetic locals, some of whom have gone on to a full-time career in show business. Former young member, Sarah Lane, is now a professional actress and Barry North went on to become a stand-up comedian and theatre manager.

Arthur Turner, aged 67, has been with the society from the outset when he was still in the army and has taken on a variety of roles over the years. His wife Doreen joined in 1971 and makes and finds most of the costumes.

Mr Turner, who was born and bred in Ombersley, said: "I think we have been going so long because we all enjoy ourselves and have fun. We also encourage youngsters to join. They are our future."

When asked what he thought was the secret of the group's success he added: "We tend to do more light-hearted plays that make people laugh and with all the misery around nowadays people want that kind of entertainment."

ODS chairman Jerry Bescoby has been a member of the group for 15 years and directed the 100th show. He said: "We chose an ambitious production to celebrate our 100th show and, although it had a lot of complications, we did it in the end and had excellent feedback.

"We knew we were on to a winner, however, when star of the show, 15-year-old Ellie Nicholls, provided us with a real life Toto in the form of her little dog, Meg."

Anyone interested in getting involved can visit www.ombersleydram.org or call 01905 423521. PORCHA TREANOR