A Litlington mum has set herself the task of putting on a ‘play in a day’ with children from North Herts and South Cambs to raise money for a Herts-based theatre group.

Helen Dunlop has organised the project in aid of the Stevenage Lytton Players – who have started an ‘Olympian challenge’ to raise enough cash for a new theatre.

To be a Lytton Olympian, the community is asked to raise cash for the cause. Their team target as it stands is to raise £9,000 in one year, of which more than £2,000 has been raised so far.

Helen, who has been a member of the players for 13 years, said: “The group has given me a great social circle, lots of confidence and a generally lovely atmosphere to be in.

“The sense of achievement and fun I have had there can’t be beaten, and they have helped me through some tricky times. Now is my time to give something back.

“Their current theatre is in desperate need of replacing and we need to raise a lot of money to do this.”

Helen hopes to give their fund a big boost by organising a day-long workshop for children to showcase their talents, culminating in a polished performance in the afternoon.

Helen has already raised more than £300 towards her £500 goal – which would make her a bronze medal Lytton Olympian – through craft events and challenges.

For her latest event, the Bassingbourn Community Primary School teacher will take a story from the page right to the stage – in a production filled with dancing, costumes and props.

The day is aimed at children aged from six to 11 and the final performance will be shown to parents.

The Play in a Day workshop and performance is on Sunday, September 10 from 10.30am to 4pm at Litlington Village Hall.

Places for the workshop cost £23 per child. To book a place for your child, email Helen at hsdunlop@yahoo.co.uk or donate directly to her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hdunlop-olympian.

She would also like to hear from you if you are a business interested in sponsoring the workshop.