A FORMER TV production manager and film assistant director today boosted the campaign to save York's Mystery Plays.

Dennis Elliott, of Fulford, York, retired in 2000 after working for almost 50 years in theatre, film and television, during which time he rubbed shoulders with stars ranging from Ingrid Bergman and Peter Sellers to John Mills and Victoria Wood.

He began his career as a stage manager in repertory theatre and then moved into feature films before switching to TV work as a floor manager, first assistant and unit manager. His programmes included the first series of Crossroads and about 350 episodes of Emmerdale Farm.

Now he has come forward to help the Evening Press's growing campaign to ensure the world-famous Mystery Plays are kept alive in 2005.

The paper launched the campaign last week, following revelations that the Mysteries may not be performed again until at least 2010 - and very possibly not even then. We appealed for people with the right expertise, commitment and time to come forward to join a prospective board to run the Plays.

Mr Elliott said he would like to be involved in saving the Plays, working on a production level.

He said he and his wife, Valerie, had been to see the Millennium production in the Minster. "We both came out having seen the most brilliant production. I turned to my wife and said: 'Follow that.' The truth is we have to, because of a simple rule. After the last production was finished, the torch was passed, and we have to take that torch and keep the flame alight."

He said he had contacts within the entertainment business and with others involved in building all types of stages and working on festivals.

His wife is a make-up artist who ran a media make-up course at York College. He felt there was a vast amount of talent which could be tapped into from students.

His daughter, Fiona, is in charge of wigs at the York Theatre Royal's production of Amadeus. "I feel sure that she would like to become involved," he said.

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

Updated: 10:23 Tuesday, July 29, 2003