�A councillor has stepped in to help a popular youth theatre group in Brentwood facing closure.

Russell Quirk has flagged up funds which the Brentwood Operatic Society Youth Group (BOSSY) could apply for.

The club needs to raise �3,500 to keep going after losing both council and arts funding.

Theatre costs have stacked up and the club needs funds to put on its production of Aida at Brentwood Theatre in October.

Group director Gaynor Wilson said: “We give our time for free and the production team doesn’t take any money for expenses. But costs for lighting, performance rights and a rehearsal venue are very costly.

“The group has always been a training ground for youths before having very successful careers in musical theatre and acting.”

Cllr Quirk said he would like to help through a council fund.

“I saw the theatre group’s story on the front page of the Recorder a couple of weeks ago and wanted to help and I thought they would be suitable for the Brentwood Localism Share Fund.

“We have �55,000 up for grabs and groups can apply for up to �5,000 each.

“All groups which apply are assessed based on their suitability and need.

“But I would like to invite the group to apply for the funding as their case would be an appropriate one for funding. I would be delighted if we could help.”

The fund aims to help improve the quality of life for people living in the borough.

Applications need to be submitted by September 28.

Groups will find out if they have been successful in October.

n For details about the fund and to download an application form, contact www.brentwood.gov.uk, localism@brentwood.gov.uk or 01277 312634. For information or to buy tickets for Aida performed by BOSSY from October 2 to 6 at Brentwood Theatre, contact musical director Andy Prideaux on 07725 328686 or bossybrentwood@gmail.com.