A STALWART of amateur dramatics in Consett will be remembered at a production almost a year after her death.

Agnes Rose, who died in August, aged 74, performed in countless shows staged by local groups.

She was headteacher of St Mary's Primary School, at nearby Blackhill, for more than 42 years. When she retired aged 65, she was recalled to be temporary headteacher of a school at Tow Law for two years.

Consett Theatre and Workshop and the Jane Robson School of Dance will stage Stepping Out at Consett Empire on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, June, 20, 21, and 22.

The show will be dedicated to Mrs Rose, who had been involved with various groups since 1958 and was a founder member of Consett Theatre and Workshop.

Mrs Rose was also well-known because her late husband, James, was landlord of the Horse and Groom pub, in Castleside.

Her sister, Katherine McDonald, said: "She was greatly loved.She played leading roles in many productions and did classics to cabaret. She was known as the first lady of stage in Derwentside. Her two great passions - after her husband - were education and theatre, both of which she left a great legacy.''

Tickets for the production cost £5 and are available from the box office on (01207) 218171 or producer Margaret Darrock on (01207) 505619.