FROM Jane Austen-style dresses and bonnets to a suit of armour to Victorian bathing suits, it represents 36 years of hard work.

But now costume-maker Hilary Westbrook is clearing out row after row of colourful theatre costumes from her Fareham home because the theatre group she belongs to is ending its productions after 56 years.

Mrs Westbrook, 61, a grandmother of seven who owns and runs Fancy That wants to get rid of the outfits.

She set up her business after becoming a member of the Gosport Musical Theatre Productions group, then called the Gosport Amateur Operatic Society, 36 years ago.

The outfits include Victorian and Edwardian suits and dresses, gangster suits, medieval costume, sailor outfits and clothes from as far back as the 1920s.

“All sorts of things are going that I’m not going to use again, so someone might as well get the use of them,” said Mrs Westbrook.

Gosport Musical Theatre Productions’ chairman Mike Wilcock said membership had dwindled in recent years until there were no longer enough people or the finances to put on a show.

Anyone interested or who wants to view the costumes can call 01329 234994 or email johnhils@madasafish.com.