THE creative director of York's newest professional theatre company has offered to join the campaign to save the city's Mystery Plays.

Lee Harris, of The Dreaming Theatre Production Company, says he had been dismayed to hear that the Mysteries might not be performed again until at least 2010, and possibly not even then.

"The Mystery Plays are obviously an important part of York's culture and heritage, as well as contributing greatly to tourism in the city," he said.

He would be happy to apply for a role on a board which might be formed in an attempt to keep the Plays alive in 2005.

The Evening Press has appealed for people with the right expertise, commitment and time to come forward to create such a board.

"We would like to offer our support for the project," said Mr Harris.

"Indeed, we were ourselves considering the viability of managing such a campaign to keep the Mystery Plays alive, when we saw that the Evening Press had beaten us to it!

"I would be happy to apply for a role on the management committee, particularly in a marketing or fundraising capacity, and The Dreaming will happily help promote the venture wherever possible."

He said The Dreaming had just staged its first venture, a performance of Eric, based on the book by Terry Pratchett, which he had adapted with Scott Harrison.

The play had been performed in the open air at Clifford's Tower, York, and had been a success, with some performances selling out. Other plays to be performed in the coming months include The Strange Story Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde, and A Christmas Carol at Kirkgate in the Castle Museum, York, for Christmas.

If you are interested in joining with others to form a Mystery Plays board, please email mike.laycock@ycp.co.uk.

Updated: 10:11 Wednesday, July 30, 2003