A SPACE-THEMED play touring eco-friendly schools has been revived with a vital cash boost.

Children across the region are being encouraged to reduce, reuse and recycle in the production of What on Earth.

Youngsters will be introduced to Colin the alien, whose mission is to make humans think about the harm they are causing to the planet.

Using easy-to-understand techniques, the Konflux Theatre in Education group is taking the play to ten primary schools in Redcar and Cleveland and schools in York.

The project has been given £25,000 by the Sita Environmental Trust.

Project development manager Miranda Thain said: "Konflux have always had a strong environmental agenda.

"We use a blend of puppetry, music, multimedia and audience participation to engage young audiences with the issues.

"The play helps them understand how they can make a difference in their homes and school."

In the play, if Colin the alien is unsuccessful, the planet is due for demolition to make way for a new UFO park.

The play's hero meets a host of colourful characters during his adventure -from a rapping fox and his posse of street rats to some boisterous cleaning ladies and an Elvis-loving weasel.