Maldon Drama Group has thanked the local community for its understanding and support, after it had to cancel this week's performances of Treasure Island due to COVID infections.

This is only the second production not to run in the group's seven-decade history, the other being Much Ado About Nothing, which was cancelled due to lockdown.

Spokesperson Carey Brown said: "We'd like to recognise the contributions of Heritage Marine and Borough Carpets for help with props and set, along with Topsail Charters for giving us the use of Hydrogen as a photo venue, and the local shops and businesses for help with publicity."

The group also wants to acknowledge the work that the cast and crew put in to each production. The majority of its members helped build the set for Treasure Island last weekend, only to have to take it down again last night.

Ms Carey continued: "We also appreciate the hours that go into line learning and rehearsing, and particularly Vicki Keith, our newest member, who took on the huge role of Jim Hawkins and really had it nailed.

"So now, it's onwards and upwards for our 70th anniversary."

Maldon Drama Group will mark the occasion with a performance of Richard Bean's One Man, Two Guvnors in October.

Anyone who is interested in taking part should attend the read-throughs on Wednesday 20 & 27 April at Maldon Town Hall from 8pm. Auditions will be held on Wednesday 4 May and the production will be shown on 13, 14 & 15 October.

The group will find out on Sunday whether it won the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) regional award for Best Comedy, for its performance of Ladykillers in October last year.