STAGESTRUCK children are to take their first steps to the stage by working on a fledgling theatre production.

Children in primary schools in the Washington area of Wearside will benefit from funding to enable them to take part in the theatre workshop scheme.

Theatre company Dreambox will work with primary school pupils on a production that will chart the history of Sunderland.

Featuring scenes covering mining, glass-making and shipbuilding, children from as young as eight will be cast and directed in the 25-minute Sunderland Story production.

It will be presented to teachers and parents at sessions to be staged in primary schools across Washington.

The scheme has been assisted by a £16,000 Strategic Initiatives Budget grant, earmarked by the Washington area committee of Sunderland City Council.

It will enable Dreambox to keep up its round of visits to the participating schools.

Liz Sumner, finance manager with the Friends of Dreambox group, said the project has already proved a "huge success", raising self-confidence among children who have taken part in neighbouring areas.

"It's a great way of stimulating their imagination and creativity, while also giving them the opportunity to be part of a full theatre production," she said.

"We're delighted with the money we've received from the committee and we're very much looking forward to getting started."

The Sunderland Story is expected to start its first production at George Washington Primary School, in Washington, with a further 17 schools to follow.

Councillor Derek Sleight-holme, chairman of the Washington area committee, said: "This is a fantastic project that works to stimulate the imagination of young people, while having fun in a theatre production.

"In terms of education, it's teaching them the history of the city while improving self-confidence and team-building skills."