Costumes will take centre stage at Bradford's Priestley Centre for a theatrical clothes auction next month.

Garish 1970s cocktail dresses, a delicate, beaded flapper dress and even a purple silk kimono are just some of the vintage and wacky costumes on sale.

About 200 of them - only about five per cent of the theatre's vast warehouse of period and contemporary costumes - will be up for grabs at the Five Star Wardrobe Sale on Tuesday, July 8.

Theatre directors are hoping the auction will be just one of many ventures which will steer them into safe waters after a troubled few months.

On auction night, models wearing about 100 costumes and outfits will sweep down the art-deco cellar bar's steps to tempt the audience into buying.

Director Irene Lofthouse said: "We are hoping it will be very dramatic in keeping with its surroundings - part auction, part theatrical show. Most of the clothes are from the '50s, '60s and '70s, with some original pieces from the '20s and in-house period costumes. We have some wonderful shoes too - some with outrageous stiletto heels - and other accessories.

"We hope it would interest anybody, particularly drama groups, schools, colleges and textile designers."

Organisers hope to better last year's show which made £2,000.

The Little Germany theatre hit financial problems last year, then ceased trading in January. But members voted against going into liquidation and backed a rescue plan by Tom Sandford, a former board member who had obtained a bank loan of £40,000, to go with £18,000 donations which flooded in since the final curtain call, enabling the show to go on.

Miss Lofthouse was positive about the future of the Chapel Street centre.

She said: "Everything is starting to pick up again. On Friday evenings the bar is open from 6pm for members and is also available for events, meetings and functions. Our studio and auditorium can also be hired for conferences. We are working up attractions and events to boost funding, but also to tempt new members. We hope to refurbish our dance studio to hold classes there again.

"Our vast wardrobe of costumes is available for hire too for parties, plays and events."

Tickets for the auction, which begins at 7.30pm, cost £2.50, including a free drink.

For bookings and tickets, ring the Priestley Centre of the Arts on (01274) 820666 or call in. For costume hire, ring Angela Curtis on (01274) 394676.

Modelling costumes are, clockwise from top left, Gabriella Baggio, Cat Moss, Irene Lofthouse and Daniella Baggio.