ASPIRING young actors are proving to have talent on tap as they prepare to take to the stage for a musical comedy extravaganza.

Girls and boys from Barnard Castle School are putting their best feet forward to endure eight weeks of tap lessons, before taking to the stage to perform the Richard Harris musical dance comedy Stepping Out.

The ten students, aged 15 to 18, will take on the roles of a mismatched group of amateur performers who meet weekly in a village hall and struggle to become a real dance troupe.

Play director Anna Hallam said: "It's a very funny play and our students have really got their work cut out learning to dance, as well as their lines.

"Eight of our actors are learning tap from scratch, so in a way we are mirroring the play in real life."

She said she was really excited about the production which showed how much theatre was moving on.

"I've wanted to do a play like this for years," she said.

"They are a very motivated group and it will be great fun for them to stretch their characterisation skills."

Sarah Green, 16, of Ingleton, said: "I've been dancing for 11 years, so the dancing is not a problem for me.

"The rest of the group are doing really well for their first time and I'm sure they'll all be ready for opening night."

Stepping Out will be staged on June 27, 28 and 29. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the school reception.