A WEE COUNTY drama group has been blown away by the support from fans following an appeal for financial assistance.

The Alman Dramatic Club was gearing up for its planned production of Whisky Galore when the country was placed into lockdown in late March.

Every ticket that was sold had to be refunded, and since then, government restrictions have prevented all productions from going ahead.

That has resulted in a massive loss of income for the group, which operates from, and runs, Alloa's Coach House Theatre.

Senga Awlson, the chair of the club's management committee, said: "We rely on ticket sales from our own productions to pay our bills, and there cannot be any in the close confines of the Coach House Theatre for the foreseeable future."

In a bid to try and get some income in to allow for the upkeep of the theatre, the group appealed to its supporters for donations where possible.

Senga said: "What we did not realise was the priceless stock of loyalty and commitment which has built up over the years.

"Indeed, the response to our appeal has been humbling.

"Many of our patrons wrote to us about the memories they hold of past productions and how important it has been for them to have a wee theatre in Alloa."

That generous support has allowed the group to make some positive plans for the months ahead.

Davy Dobbie, committee member, said: "Looking to the future, we now know that we will have to invest in better ventilation both for comfort and safety, and the club committee have already started to look into this.

"With the level of commitment shown by the generosity of our patrons and members we're confident we will have this in place before theatres are allowed to re-open."

In the meantime, every donation to the group is welcome. For more information about the Alman, or to support the group, visit thealman.com.