YOU can take the actors out of the theatre but you can't take the theatre out of the actors – even when they are redecorating.

Launton Village Players were not completely ready to swap their props for paint brushes as they got down to work repainting the village hall.

Entertaining whilst they worked, the amateur dramatics group set about giving the tired community facility – in which they rehearse – a lick of fresh paint.

It comes after the summer show put on by the players helped raise £1,515 for the Launton Parish Hall Improvement Project (PHIP).

Chairman of the fundraising group Martin Evans said: "The weekend was one of painting as the hall walls have become marked and scuffed over the years.

"Many people thought that, as fund raising can take many years, the Hall deserved a face lift in the short term.

"Some of the Village Players have joined members of the PHIP group to help with the work, so with volunteer work and donated materials the face lift will not cost the hall anything.

"We are all very grateful that paint and materials have been donated, especially 30 litres of paint from the Brewers Decorator Centres in Telford Road as well as brushes and other equipment.

"We really appreciate the generosity of Brewers and villagers, and the support of volunteer decorators.

"We are sure that the hall will look better for our efforts."

The summer show "That's Entertainment" conjured up laughter and fun with a whole host of sketches, singing, dancing and poetry and all the profits were earmarked for the parish hall improvements.

Nicky Roberts, who directed the show along with Andy Roberts and Julia West, said: "We were very pleased with the success of the show and the substantial amount we raised for the cause.

"It made all the hard work, planning and preparation worthwhile.

"We would like to say thank you to all who came to see the show and dug deep into their pockets for such a significant and worthy cause for the village of Launton."

The hall revamp hopes to update the 1920s building and bring it into the 21st century and in the past 12 months has pulled in over £4,000.

Villagers formed a fundraising committee to look at ideas including expanding the hall, adding a second room and updating the toilets and kitchen facilities.