LEISURE centre staff are preparing for the arrival of the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The theatre company will perform The Merry Wives of Windsor and Coriolanus at Northallerton Leisure Centre as part of their nationwide tour.

Centre manager Richard Dowson said: "This is a very exciting time to be working at the centre. It is the first port of call for the RSC tour this year and we want to ensure everything goes without a hitch for them."

Performances begin on Tuesday, February 4 with Coriolanus, for which some tickets are still available. For details call the box office, on (01609) 777070.