MEMBERS of a local drama group were left shocked after vandals destroyed thousands of pounds worth of equipment back in 2004.

Here's how we reported the story 15 years ago...

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POLICE are hunting for the culprits who started a fire which destroyed a small building and thousands of pounds worth of equipment belonging to a drama group.

The blaze, in a large storage garage behind the Victoria Halls, began in the early hours of Sunday morning and two fire engines were needed to control the flames.

Inside were props, scenery and other materials used by amateur dramatics group Helensburgh Theatre Arts, which stages a Christmas pantomime and other productions.

Chairman Alison Holliman said: “The hut is burnt down and everything in it has gone.

“The roof collapsed inwards and shattered.

“It’s a shock and we have lost everything of any value that we had made.”

The most expensive of the damaged goods were the backgrounds, painted walls and 18-foot tall door frames.

“We won’t be able to replace these things in the short term,” said Alison.

“It’s going to cost a great deal of money which we don’t have.”