STUDENTS at Swindon College desperately need a camel for this year's pantomime.

The show Abdul and the Eye of Ra was put on 10 years ago by students at the college, and a camel, nicknamed Eric, was loaned to the students, but the college is without a camel for the latest performance.

Chris Scott, head of performing arts, said: "We were very grateful for the use of the outfit some 10 years ago by a person we believe lived in the Quarry Road area of Old Town.

"We are desperate to get in touch with this person again, as Eric the Camel was such a success last time."

Each year the drama students put on a pantomime.

Mr Scott said: "We were a few weeks into the rehearsals when the two guys who are playing the camel asked where their costume was coming from.

"Because we knew we had it a few years ago we just assumed it would still be around, but it turned out to belong to someone who let us borrow it.

"None of the students could really face knocking on people's doors and asking if they had a camel costume, so we hope someone will come forward.

"Eric the Magic Camel is an essential part of the story. We need him."

If anyone knows the person who loaned the costume, or can lend one, please call Chris Scott or Jason Clear on Swindon 611470, ext 261.