OXFORD'S Creation Theatre Company has launched an appeal to raise £250,000, as it looks to survive the impact of another disaster like the July floods.

Last summer's poor weather, topped off by the floods, almost ruined the Headington-based company, which specialises in outdoor shows, and had previously enjoyed a decade of growth.

Takings were down by £125,000 as audiences stayed away, financial reserves were drained and only a large donation from an unnamed charity saved it from closing.

Now it is taking advantage of its recently acquired charitable status and is turning to its audiences as well as business to help boost its coffers.

Marketing and sales manager Rebecca de la Bedoyere said: "We've had 12 years of living on a knife edge and the way we've been working would stop us developing in the future. Without core funding we can continue to operate as we have been but if we want to develop and expand, we have to look at other financial sources."

Creation, established in 1996, has alway generated most of its revenue from ticket sales.

But the wash-out summer has proved that it needs more financial support.

Ms de la Bedoyere said the company had ambitious expansion plans, including buying its own tent so it can go on tour, giving it more national exposure and developing its education programme.

This year, it is also planning its biggest ever summer season, and is staging William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure at the North Wall Arts Centre, in Summertown, in March.

Creation is looking for help from trusts and foundations, firms and corporate donors and the local community.

Anyone interested should call 01865 766266.