AN AMATEUR drama group is well on the yellow brick road after landing a £4,250 award from Age Concern.

The Mansbridge Players group has spent the cash, which includes National Lottery and Millennium Commission funds, on scenery, lighting and costumes for its first play, The Wizard of Oz.

The Southampton group's aim is to bring together people of all ages, and involve them in all areas of the play's preparation and performance. Cast members are aged from six to 56.

Local midwife Val Bennett, the group's chairman and producer, said: "It is really wonderful to see how all our members work together and seem to really enjoy everything involved.

"I am grateful to Age Concern and the Millennium Commission for giving us the opportunity to explore all aspects of theatre."

The Wizard of Oz will run from Wednesday to Friday next week, at the Mansbridge Community Centre, Cemetery Road, Swaythling.