A specialist who looks for old clothes to feature in television and film dramas is returning to the island next month.

BBC costume supplier Maggie Harding visits the island every year seeking antique and vintage clothing for her costume supply company.

Last year in September she was on the island sourcing 1940s authentic clothing for a BBC children’s television production ’A Life in Hiding’, telling the story of Anne Frank who hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam.

The show was broadcast on CBBC on January 25.

All the costumes used in the show were supplied by The Greta Harding Theatrical Clothing Company and many were sourced in the Isle of Man.

Poppy Waxman, who played Anne Frank, wore original 1940s clothing, which was bought in Peel last year. This included dresses, shoes, hats and coats - many having the old CC41 labels to show they were purchased with clothing coupons during the Second World War.

Maggie said: ’It is getting very hard to find original pieces so when a lady called me and said she had a collection of clothing which had belonged to her mother, I was happy to take a look. To find so many items with the coupon labels was a real treat because this allows me to date the items exactly.’

She added: ’Many people on the island have kept items for years and are keen to find a good home for them.

’This makes it a good source for me and I never go home disappointed..

Maggie travels across the island seeking out a range of goods which she then supplies to theatres and film companies across the world.

She says most film and TV companies prefer to use original clothing if they can find them, as the old fabric drapes well and reflects better under stage lighting than modern synthetic fabrics.

The original accessories, such as hats, jewellery and handbags gives an authenticity to a period drama.

The blue cloak shown in the photo dates from 1920s and was purchased in Laxey three years ago.

Maggie Harding said: ’When this cloak was taken out of an old suitcase in Laxey it took my breath away!

’The cloak is royal blue silk with gold hand worked embroidery and is in wonderful condition. Every now and then you find a very special piece of history that has been put into store.’

It is now being used in the new film Downton Abbey staring Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville which will be released in July this year.

The Theatrical Clothing Company is back on the Isle of Man from March 14 to 19 and seeking to buy antique and vintage clothing from 1880s to 1950s.

Most sort after are paisley shawls, embroidered shawls, 1920s dresses and coats, fans, handbags and costume jewellery.

Also on the wants list are uniforms, top hats, bowler hats and de-mob suits - plus old lace trimmings, feathers and fabrics which can be used to trim costumes.

Maggie Harding can be contacted on 07734 798522 and she is happy to visit any part of the island. She will be staying at the Palace Hotel in Douglas.