KINGS LANGLEY COMMUNITY CENTRE was packed yesterday afternoon for a jumble sale supporting the town's long tradition of amateur drama.

About 200 bargain hunters jostled around tables displaying second hand clothes, books, decorations, tools and toys.

Carloyne Bevan of the Kings Langley Players said: "We are about to start our 87th season - the Players kept going without a break through both world wars.

"There are an awful lot of costs involved with putting on a play these days.

"Our first production will be 'Allo, 'Allo, which I am sure will be very popular, but we also like to do more challenging things which may not cover their costs.

"Recently we've done Joe Orton's What The Butler Saw, and we also want to do Art, which is a very good play by a French writer - I forget her name.

"Those may not cover their costs, so the jumble sale is a very good way of making sure we can do them.

"We have a very good selection for sale - people have been very generous.

"And there are plenty of people here - there must be at least 200, so we should do very well."

Nancy Neilsen, 81, in charge of a table covered with tops, blouses and sweaters, said: "I am pretty sure I am the oldest member.

"I have been in the players since 1964.

"I don't do much acting any more but I like to help in a support role by doing things like this.

"I have been very busy - it is great fun."