AN art exhibition is being held at the end of the month to raise funds for cash strapped March and District Amateur Operatic Society.

Ross Black’s drawings will be on display from November 23-25 at March Town Hall.

The society has decided it can not afford to put on a ‘main’ production next year and will instead focus on smaller shows in order to secure its long term future.

Mr Black said: “I know we are in hard financial times so I will be happy with whatever the drawings make. I just hope people turn up to support the society.”

Claire Lily, member of the MADAOS committee, said: “Any support we get is crucial. The fact that Ross has offered to donate his drawings will help us no end.”

MADAOS was formed in 1957 and has presented a ‘main’ production at Easter evey year since 1958 but rising costs and falling audiences have led Claire to question its long term future.

She said: “We are self funded and not eligible for lottery grants since we are not a charity.

“It costs a huge amount to put on a show and in the current financial climate people do not have the money to pay for tickets.

“ We hope that by reducing the size of shows we can give ourselves longevity but if I’m honest I’m not sure the society will be sustainable in the long run.”