It really was a case of 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring' when the actor playing the lead role in the Watton am-dram production of Dad's Army had to pull out with less then a month before the opening night.

It really was a case of 'don't panic Mr Mainwaring' when the actor playing the lead role in the Watton am-dram production of Dad's Army had to pull out with less then a month before the opening night.

But just like in all the best the best episodes of the Walmington-on-Sea sitcom adversity is being overcome with a comical caper to boot.

The Boo and Hiss production of Dad's Army will go ahead as planned in Watton's Queens Hall at the end of this month thanks to local town and district councillor Keith Gilbert who has stepped in to fill the roll of Captain Mainwaring.

And as he frantically learns his lines and gets into character Mr Gilbert will also be raising money for soldiers' charity Help for Heroes.

The 61-year-old is proud to boast a full head of hair but if he is truly to embrace the role of the bank manager turned captain of the Home Guard he says all but a few strands at the back and sides will have to come off.

He said: 'I am proud I have a full head of hair and the hairdresser actually has to thin it out.

'Almost all my hair will be coming off but Captain Mainwaring did have just a little bit around the sides.

'I was playing the part of Hodges before but not only does this help the play but it will help injured soldiers as well.'

Mr Gilbert is now asking for sponsorship before he takes the plunge and his barber makes him bald at a specially organised event to be held outside the post office in High Street at 2pm on Saturday.

To sponsor Mr Gilbert fill in the sponsor forms which are available at the post office and Mullenger & Co in High Street.

The Boo and Hiss production of Dad's Army will be staged at the Queen's Hall between Thursday, September 24 and Saturday, September 26. Tickets are available from Mullenger & Co or by calling 01953 883474.