RESIDENTS of Horrabridge and surrounding area turned out in force to see a production of the Kenneth Woollard three-act drama 'Morning Departure', which played over three nights in St John's Church. More than 300 people turned out to support the project, and well over £2,000 was raised.

The play relates the story of a submarine which sinks after striking a mine during a wartime training exercise, and the efforts of the crew and onshore agencies to rescue the vessel and save the lives of the submariners trapped on board.

As a community venture, the production was supported by grant aid both from West Devon Borough Council and Devon County Council, and brought together a range of village organisations headed by the Horrabridge Cavaliers.

It was the most ambitious project the Cavaliers have undertaken since the organisation was founded 36 years ago. None of the cast members would claim to be actors, but they all entered into the spirit of the drama, and gave a polished performance.

If there was a star, it was the set, which was designed, constructed and installed between the choir stalls in the church by a four-man team. It comprised a realistic section of a submarine's interior, with offices of the shore-based naval rescue and salvage personnel either side, connected through a realistic switchboard with plug-in lights.

While the play itself was a success, its lasting achievement will be the way a range of village organisations came together to make it all work.

John Howells, a founder-member and current president of the Cavaliers said: 'We needed a lot of help to make it all work, and we're very grateful to other village organisations, including the school, the pupils and the PTA, the Sea Scouts, the Friends of St John's and the local church community for their help and collaboration.

'Above all we're grateful to the residents who braved the elements to support the project by coming to see the play.'