A CAMPAIGN to rejuvenate Britain's oldest Georgian theatre will be given a fitting backdrop later this month.

Volunteers will dress in period costume when they attend one of the region's biggest antiques fairs, between Thursday, and Tuesday, September 20 and 25.

It is hoped their presence at the Pavilions complex, at Harrogate's Great Yorkshire Showground, will help spread awareness of a £200,000 fundraising campaign in aid of the theatre. The fund is aimed at covering the cost of an ambitious project which will see the historic building fully restored inside and an extension added.

The fair is the longest-running antiques event outside London, attracting both dealers and collectors from around the country.

As well as explaining the Georgian Theatre's proposals, the delegation will also be selling tickets for the prize draw which boasts a car as the top prize.

"This is a great opportunity to increase awareness of the theatre's restoration objectives,'' said campaign coordinator, Mac Bryant. "It is highly fitting that Britain's oldest Georgian theatre has been able to team up with the North's longest running antiques fair.

"Both organisations are committed to supporting our heritage and art in their different ways, and it is vital we secure the magic of this unique theatre for future generations."

The theatre has already won a provisional Lottery grant of nearly £600,000, as well as securing grants and donations of £290,000, towards a target of £1.1m.

However, the remainder will have to come from public fundraising and, as well as the prize draw, a series of gala concerts and shows have been arranged to boost the figure.

A jazz night is the first, early next month, with a night at the opera and plays following through the autumn.

More details are available by contacting the theatre on (01748) 823710