DECADES of colourful creations, creative characters, intricately-designed dresses and even a talking goose are going before the auctioneers hammer this Saturday.

The collection encompass nearly 40 years of work by Edwina Freeman, a well-known member of Bolton's amateur operatic and dramatic world.

At one point the renowned wardrobe mistress was supplying outfits for at least 300 different societies.

However an ongoing battle with a debilitating illness has seen the 75-year-old make the heart-wrenching decision to sell her beloved collection.

She said: "I have had Parkinsons for nearly 10 years and had learnt to control it but I have had a change in my medication and can no longer do what i was once able to.

"It's a job even to thread a needle now.

"The auction will be a very sad day. A lot of stuff I made over the years has a history all here in my head. I know who I made it for and which show.

"There is a a silk outfit for Eliza in My Fair Lady and a coat for Henry Higgins which was later used for Sherlock Holmes part and even a character in Wind in the Willows. I can remember how many times I've refitted each costume. They all have history.

"I built it up and did clothes for a lot of Bolton societies, I had over 5,000 costumes at one point!"

Of the many hand-made costumes she designed, fitted and sewed together, Mrs Freeman's most prized is Priscilla the goose.

One of her first creations - made for a production of Mother Goose by the Church Road PTA in the late 1970s - it has the ability to flap its tail, move its beak to speak, lay golden eggs and even cry - thanks to handy levers and pumps all hidden inside its frame.

She is now crying out for a new home alongside her creators large collection of costumes, including anything from Calamity Janes cowgirl outfit to a full Centurion armour and helmet, as well as masks, fabrics and other miscellaneous props which are being stored at the Egyptian Mill Alligator Self Storage Units in Bolton.

Mrs Freeman started out her am dram career as a founding member of Church Road PTA, which later became the Phoenix Theatre Company, before going on to become a founding member of Bolton Amateur Theatre Societies (BATS) and active member of Farnworth Little Theatre, winning awards not just for costume design but also acting, directing and producing.

A former display artists for Bolton's Whitakers store, she quit to follow her love of am dram full time, opening fancy dress shop Wardrobe Door in Chorley Old Road in the early 80's.

"For big society musicals I could end up doing costumes for 18 ladies who need three different costume changes, it would take hours and hours," she added.

"It kept me going through tragedies and different difficult times in my life.

"Most people didn't realise I had Parkinsons but I have had great help from great friends.

"I've got some tales to tell from over the years, it's been a hoot at times!"

The auction is opening to groups and individuals and will start at the storage unit in Egyptian Street from 10.30 am on Saturday.