Hartlepool will be standing in for Verona during an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings the moving tale of star-crossed lovers to Ward Jackson Park as part of the town's week-long Youth Arts Festival Word of Mouth.

Local school groups will get the first glimpse of the play in a school gala performance at 1pm on Tuesday, June 24.

The curtain goes up on a public performance the following day at 7.30pm.

Hartlepool Borough Council's marketing officer, Claire Munroe, said: "With sumptuous costumes and an enchanting original music score, Romeo and Juliet should be one of the highlights of the festival."

The school performance will take place on the main field in Ward Jackson Park, while the evening performance will be at the rear of Place In The Park, near the Elwick Road entrance. The park will be open at 6.30pm for picnics.

Tickets cost £5 and can be booked by calling the box office on (01429) 890000