There isn't much Pat Moss doesn't know about theatrical costumery after a lifetime as a wardrobe mistress.

She has sewn millions of sequins, hemmed thousands of trousers, darted an army of jackets and altered waistlines for some of the country's best-loved performers.

But after 20 years running her own business, Pat, who is in her 60s, is sticking her sewing needle in the pin cushion.

She is bringing the curtain down on Theatre Costumes Shoreham, otherwise known in the trade as The House of Moss.

But it's not quite her final bow.

She said: "I can't give it up altogether so it is a kind of semi retirement. I am now going to pick and choose what shows I work on."

Pat, who was born in Eastbourne, started work in the West End rag trade at the tender age of 15.

But two years later she landed a coveted scholarship at the Guildhall School Of Music And Drama and was heading for a career as a model or an actress.

She said: "My first ever professional play was Molire's The Miser and I had to make my own costume for that."

Then Pat was asked to understudy the lead in Look Back In Anger but she turned it down because the money was so poor.

Pat went on to feature in many professional productions and TV ads but these days is more often to be found treading the boards with amateur groups like the Southwick Players.

She plays a night nurse in their latest offering, Whose Life Is It Anyway and doesn't have a single line to say!

She said: "I started off mute in the Miser so I've gone full circle."

Pat's business, in a purpose built warehouse, has been home to her 10,000 costumes for a decade.

"It's amazing what you build up over the years," she said. I have shipped costumes to all parts of the UK. I have even costumed shows in Galway, Ireland and Paris.

"The funny thing is that I don't draw and I don't keep any records. I do the designs in my head and once they are done, I let it go. I don't suppose two shows have ever been the same."

Two of Pat's recent shows were Crazy for You and Mack and Mabel. With her dedicated team of helpers, she designed every single costume and these sets have already been snapped up by professional companies wanting to tour the show.

Since she announced her retirement, she has been overwhelmed by the response from amateur and local companies and other costume businesses wanting to raid her warehouse for bargains.

She said: "Bit by bit it will all be sold off. I am not sad to see the costumes go because they will continue to do the rounds for years."

The Party Warehouse, run by Pat's son, will continue to operate from the same premises and do fancy dress.

You can see Pat in Whose Life Is It Anyway from April 9 to 12 at the Barn Theatre, Southwick.