A theatre charity that serves the special needs community has had an army of volunteers turn its "spider-ridden hut" into a proper storage room.

Head2Head Theatre, based in Ashtead, welcomed a group from Kingswood-based Fidelity International to carry out the work.

Full-time volunteer for Head2Head Anni Rhodes-Steere said: "It was inspiring to see. They scrubbed and painted and had great fun moving some of our sensory props - their favourites being Widow Twanky's mangle and a Roman catapult."

The charity, which boasts among its patrons Monty Python's Terry Jones, puts on shows and events for people with disabilities, often going to schools to perform for children, and volunteers are grateful to the renovation team for their help.

Ms Rhodes-Steere said: "Fidelity International's support is a great example of what large corporations can do for small charities such as ours."

A grant covering the first six months of the unit's rent was given to Head2Head by The Leathersellers Company Charitable Fund, but more money is needed to secure its longer-term use.

Ms Rhodes-Steere said: "The storage unit is vital. Previously, volunteers stored our props, costumes and sets in their attics, garages and garden sheds. Whenever we started a new production it was a nightmare pulling all the necessary pieces together.

"Now we have everything under one roof, and there's even a little space for rehearsals, which is an added bonus."

The charity's next production will be Peter Pan in a Pickle at Sherwood Park Special School in Wallington on May 31 and June 1.

Ms Rhodes-Steere stressed volunteers are always welcome, and can contact her on 01372 278021.