THE people of York are continuing to offer help for our campaign to save the city's Mystery Plays.

Several individuals have contacted the paper to say that, while unable to join a board which may be set up to ensure the Plays are staged again in 2005, they want to provide support in other ways.

One such volunteer is Jenny Cammidge, who said she had been appalled to read in the paper that the Plays might not be staged again until at least 2010, and possibly not even then. "The York Cycle of Mystery Plays are as much York's heritage as the Shambles and the Minster," she said.

"I took part in two productions, 1984 and 1988, the last ones to be staged in Museum Gardens. I think the whole thing went downhill when the Plays were taken out of the gardens - but that's just my opinion!"

She said she felt there was a wealth of amateur talent in York which could be drawn upon to keep costs down, and she questioned whether big names were needed for major acting roles.

"We didn't have a big name in the role from the 1950s and I expect that they were just as well attended.

"Unfortunately, I'm just a local woman with three kids, a husband and a dog, not anyone who would make much of a difference.

"But I would be willing to help in any way I can - even if it's just answering phones, making cups of tea, handing out pencils! All the best with your campaign."

Another volunteer offering to help is Linda Terry, who said she would very much like to be involved in supporting the organisation of the board.

"As I work full-time, I have limited time to offer so couldn't undertake this as a major commitment. However, I would wish to be involved in some smaller way," she said.

"I'm delighted the Press is taking a lead on this issue. I really hope it leads to success."

If you are interested in joining with others to form a Mystery Plays board, please email mike.laycock@ycp.co.uk.

Updated: 08:44 Thursday, July 31, 2003