TWO writers look set to beat their own box office record when their second play opens in the region in the New Year.

North-East duo Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, were responsible for the horse racing comedy, Good to Firm, which became the first sell-out show at the Customs House, at South Shields, this year.

The pair are optimistic that their second venture at the theatre will do even better. Ticket sales for Dirty Dusting, due to open in February, have already topped the 850 mark - more than half what Good to Firm pulled in during its entire run.

"It is absolutely amazing," said Mr Waugh. "The tickets have only been on sale for a couple of weeks and it has all been through word of mouth. It looks like we will top 1,000 by next week."

The play, also a comedy, centres on three older women about to be sacked from their cleaning jobs. To make ends meet, the trio set up a phone sex line.

It stars Gwen Doran, Helen Russell, and Jean Southern, who appeared in the first Harry Potter film.

It is the first of four plays Ed and Trevor are planning for the Customs House next year, including a return of Good to Firm.

For tickets and details, call the box office on 0191-454 1234.