AN amateur theatre group performing a play set in a rubbish dump were understandably astonished ... when all their props were thrown into a skip.

The Children's Amateur Theatre Society (CATS) had carefully hidden their set in the stockroom of an Astley Bridge church where they are due to begin performing Godspell on November 22.

But tidy-conscious church members thought the tyres, tin lids, trainers and assorted knick-knacks were rubbish.

And they chucked the lot away during a big clear out.

Luckily the bulging skip outside the Theatre Church, on Seymour Road, Astley Bridge, was spotted by budding actor Daniel Whitehead, aged 11.

He dived into the skip to rescue many of the items but some -- including a penny whistle, a kazoo and some pan lids -- had vanished.

Paul Cohen, the 34-year-old co-ordinator of CATS, a group he runs with wife Louise, aged 29, said: "The church group has apologised to us and we can see the funny side.

"It was just an oversight on their part but there's been no harm done.

"I guess it's quite apt that stuff used for a rubbish tip prop would end up in the bin."

The group is made up of children aged from 13 to 18 and they rehearse at St Peter's Church, on Longcauseway, Fanworth.

They have been rehearsing for the production -- the backdrop for which is a rubbish dump -- since May.

Mr Cohen said: "We're going full speed ahead now and the show will go on."

Tickets for the show are available on Bolton 659199.