A renowned festival is appealing for generous residents to come forward with donations.

The annual Leatherhead Drama Festival is entering into its seventh year of celebrating Mole Valley's performing talent and will be held at the town's theatre from May 3 to May 15.

However, Dick Jones, from the festival's organising committee, said sponsors need to come forward to make sure the largest festival of its type in the country keeps going.

He said: "Last year it was a difficult year but we still managed to raise £3,500 which mainly went towards marketing the Leatherhead Drama Festival.

"We need to raise a similar amount, if not more, this year because ultimately what we want to achieve is more people coming to see our shows and create even more of an awareness there is a festival going on."

He said last year the committee received support from direct donations, local and national sources and from their programme advertising revenue.

"The souvenir programme is an important source of funds but each year the production costs increase so this year we have had to increase our rates," he added.

People can get involved by buying a souvenir badge from £3 or even donating £1,000 which will give you a pair of VIP tickets to the Gala Awards Night.

For more information please visit www.leatherheaddrama festival.org