UNWANTED theatrical costumes have been given a new lease of life by a Fareham mental health charity.

A giant penguin and a pantomime horse are just two of the 6,000 costumes donated by King Alfred's College in Winchester to Skillploy.

The charity's hardworking members are perfecting their cleaning, dressmaking and sewing skills to return the costumes to their former glory.

The charity is setting up its own hire firm to allow amateur performers to take their pick of the theatrical wardrobe.

Rachael Gosling, the charity's recycling development worker, came up with the idea.

She said: "King Alfred's College had to get rid of the costumes because they didn't have the space.

"We took the opportunity to turn the costumes into a business.

"At the moment we are doing a lot of sewing, washing and ironing. "We also have to catalogue all of the costumes on our computer database."

Fareham College has already made use of Skillploy's new business venture after requesting Victorian costumes for its latest production entitled Yerma.

All the charity's members, who have mental health problems, have increased in confidence and acquired practical skills since starting work on the costumes three months ago.

Miss Gosling, who is overseeing the project at Skillploy's Salterns Lane headquarters, said: "We have still got a lot to do but the members are all very enthusiastic."

After the success of the theatre wardrobe project Skillploy is looking to expand its recycling projects.

Miss Gosling said plans are under way to find imaginative uses for unwanted wood, lightbulbs and cardboard.

If you are performing on stage, belong to an amateur dramatics group or are stuck for something to wear for a fancy dress party, call Skillploy on 01329 829500.