Ivy Thornley donation
Tobi Carver/St Ives Times & Echo

Kidz R Us Director Phil Barnett took a break from rehearsals for Christmas pantomime Aladdin on Friday, 21 October to accept a legacy donation of £10,000 from the late Ivy Thornley, presented by her nephew, Derek Butler.

Ivy died in April this year, and left instructions in her will for the sizeable donation to Kidz R Us. Since retiring to St Ives with her husband in the early 90s, Ivy almost immediately became involved with the youth theatre company. She volunteered her time working in the wardrobe department for over seven years, and was a member of the Good Companions Club - a social group that meets at the St Ives Theatre every Tuesday afternoon, aimed at the over-50s.

Phil Barnett says: 'We are so touched by this very generous gift. We rely almost entirely on box office sales and charitable donations to kee us going. All donations that we receive go straight to Kidz R Us to support us in running the theatre group and staging our shows. Thank you to Derek for presenting us with the cheque and to Ivy for thinking of us when finalising her will. Everyone here is extremely grateful.'

Kidz R Us is always on the lookout for volunteers to help behind the scenes with creative, promotional and technical roles. The theatre company has been shortlisted for a Cornwall Celebrates Volunteering award in the Host of the Year category, with the winner being announced at an awards ceremony on Friday, 28 October. Preparations are well underway for the Aladdin shows on 19, 20, 28, 29, 30 December at 2.00pm and 6.00pm. Box Office: 01736 797007.