AMATEUR actors fear they are one season away from the curtain coming down on years of history.

The Hereford Amateur Pantomime Society (HAPS) has raised more than £50,000 for good causes but has recently fallen on hard times.

Volunteers fear that a lack of support for next year's performance of Dick Whittington could make it the last and have encouraged more to join the group.

HAPS was formed in 1982 following the closure of the Wiggins Pantomime Society and gives a minimum donation of £1,000 to a chosen charity each year.

However, recently the group has only just broke even and HAPS chairman Steve Raven says one failed pantomime – due to bad weather or low ticket sales – could spell the end.

"It would be an incredible loss to the county which it has been serving for so long," she added.

"The annual HAPS pantomimes have been a constant in the city but without more local support it will dwindle and die.

"It is a great community project and would be a huge loss to the charities to whom it gives support, not to mention its current members.

"There are many members who have three generations involved in the pantomime and the longest serving member has been involved for more than 50 years."

Each year the pantomime is performed at The Courtyard in Hereford and Dick Whittington will run from February 17 to 20 in 2016.

The total cost to stage a pantomime runs between £20,000 and £30,000, and HAPS are hoping businesses will come forward to sponsor productions - or even just a small part of them such as the costumes.

New members are also wanted to bring fresh enthusiasm to a group which prides itself on being fun and friendly.

Membership is open to anyone aged eight and over and can be purchases on an individual or family basis.

Relatives are also encouraged to join in the performances even if they do not wish to go on stage by helping out backstage, front of house or in make-up.

• To get in touch, either to sponsor or join the group, call 01432 355656 and 07973 294556 or email hapstreasurer@yahoo.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.herefordpanto.co.uk