The Barn Theatre’s wardrobe department are doing their bit for the NHS and health staff by producing scrubs.

The initiative started when wardrobe supervisor Denise Cleal noticed a plea in the Facebook group Cheltenham and Cirencester Scrubbers – For The Love Of Scrubs NHS, an appeal highlighting the lack of scrubs in local surgeries and hospitals all over the country.

Upon seeing this, Denise and wardrobe assistant Bridget Griffiths, decided that whilst the theatre was temporarily closed they would set to work hand-making scrubs for local surgeries and help support the front line.

Denise said: “I’m the wardrobe supervisor at the Barn Theatre, and as my work there has ceased for the time being, I have time on my hands.

"When I saw the appeal to make scrubs for the NHS I jumped at the chance to help.

"This is extremely important to me as my daughter works for NHS Scotland and several other close family members are also working on the front line for NHS England.

"In a small way I feel I can support them by doing what I love most - sewing, and am grateful to be able to help.”

Bridget said: “In these strange times it’s easy to feel powerless but so grateful to those working on the front line.

"So I am happy to be able to use my own skills to help in some small way.”

TV’s Dr Dawn Harper, who is an ambassador for the award winning theatre, has shown her support for the department saying: “We are running short of scrubs on the frontline.

"I’m so proud of the wardrobe department at the Barn Theatre for stepping up and offering their services to make scrubs for local surgeries.”