A PERFORMING arts school came to the rescue after dozens of costumes were stolen from a charity.

Bags containing handmade black, glittery waistcoats, dresses, feather boas and gloves were taken from the boot of support worker Jane Woodwards’s car.

The outfits were being used by charity, Essex Cares.

It supports adults with special needs by organising a bi-annual theatre and music show for them.

The performers, who planned to use the costumes in their next musical in July, were left devastated.

But Claire Morris, principal of Starz Performing Arts Academy in Colchester, read of their plight in the Gazette and donated spare costumes and accessories to replace the stolen items.

She said: “I saw the story and immediately thought of all the costumes I had stored in the loft.

“The theft was a horrible thing and I know they were really upset about it, especially with a performance coming up.

“It was great to be able to help out.”

Jane Woodwards said: “We are grateful for the replacement costumes.

“They will make a big difference to our performance in July.”

The clothes were taken from a silver Vauxhall Astra parked in Norbury Close, Marks Tey, between 7pm on February 10 and 6.50am the next day.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 0300 3334444.

The stolen clothes can be returned to St Botolph’s Church Hall, Queen Street, Colchester; the Old Rectory, in Brook Street Resource Centre, Colchester, or Colchester police station.