TWO young sisters were centre stage in a production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream at Ouston Community Centre last week.

Twelve-year-old Lauren Hogg played the fairy queen Titania while her sister Natalie, aged ten, was her comic suitor, Bottom.

Both the youngsters are members of the Ouston Community Association's Drama Group which meets every week at the centre and is supported by the Northern Rock Foundation.

The group, of 24 local youngsters aged from 7 to 17 years, had been working hard since September on the hour-long performance.

Group leader Abi Barker of the County Durham-based group Busy Ape Arts said the group brought a new funky look to the play by using bright modern costumes and lots of music and movement.

It was the first time on stage for many of the youngsters.

The event raised around £200 for the charity Scope.