MEMBERS of Darlington Operatic Youth Theatre made a song and dance about bag packing in Morrisons, North Road, on Saturday and raised £545.

The money will go towards the cost of staging next week's production of the musical Half a Sixpence at the Arts Centre, Vane Terrace.

Theatre group administrator Penny Hyslop said: "The response from shoppers was terrific. I hope they all come along to see the show."

Forty members of the theatre group have been rehearsing since last September for Half a Sixpence, based on H G Wells' story Kipps about a draper's shop assistant plunged into high society after being left a fortune.

Carmel College sixth-former Oliver James, 18, plays Arthur Kipps, in the role made famous by Tommy Steele in the early Sixties.

Knees-up numbers include the show-stopping Flash, Bang Wallop!

Produced by David Coates with musical direction by Dan Hands and choreography by Cathy Tribble, the show runs at the Arts Centre next week from Wednesday until Saturday.

All performances are at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 (£6 concessions) and are available from (01325) 483721 or (01325) 486555.