DOZENS of youngsters from a youth drama group will take to the stage for the first time at a rural village hall later this week.

Members of the Castle Players' Turrets, the youth branch of the Castle Players theatre group, will appear at Mickleton Village Hall, in Teesdale.

They will star in the play the Roses of Eyam, a tragic true tale of life in a Derbyshire village which suffered a devastating outbreak of plague in 1665.

The youngsters will perform alongside senior actors for the performances, which take place on Friday and Saturday.

Director Jill Cole said: "This production gives the group an exciting opportunity to perform outside our usual base in Barnard Castle and make use of the village hall's new lighting equipment.

"I was keen to involve both our junior and senior groups in this production. This play fits the bill perfectly.

"The group has had great fun in rehearsals since they first began working on it this summer.

"The young cast have worked hard to create a lively production which is full of energy and passion."

"The youngsters have all shown great commitment and certainly deserve all the support they can get."

Forty two Teesdale youngsters, aged between ten and 16, will take part in the production.

Tickets for the performances, which start at 7.30pm, cost £3 for adults and £2 for children.

They are available at the door or by calling (01833) 650623.