POP Idol Aaron Bayley, former Doctor Who Colin Baker, and a castle ghost will come together for a time-travelling musical.

Celebrate, a new musical commissioned by Chester-le-Street District Council, tells the story of the town's eventful history including St Cuthbert, the Lambton Worm and the Bible's first translation into English.

After securing local composer George Hastings to write the music, the council asked Colin Baker to come up with a script.

Mr Baker was so impressed by the idea that he agreed and former Pop Idol contestant Aaron Bayley, who helped launch the musical last week, has since offered to perform in it.

Celebrate will be staged at Lumley Castle, on July 6, as part of a whole day of entertainment, including street theatre and a 50ft Lambton Worm. Peter Darrant, media manager at the castle, said it will provide a unique opportunity for community involvement.

He said: "We will have 400 children and local amateur groups taking part, and we are also writing to celebrities asking them to join in. There will be a firework display and lighting and set designs that the Telewest Arena would be proud of."

Mr Baker has drawn on his Doctor Who past to base the story on two children visiting the castle with their parents and being taken back in time by its resident ghost, Lily of Lumley.

Mr Darrant said: "Lily of Lumley owned the castle 600 years ago, was murdered, and now haunts the building. She makes the children realise how interesting Chester-le-Street's history is."

While the leading characters have yet to be cast, four local schools - Lumley Junior, Redrose Primary, St Bede's Primary and Bournmoor Primary, have already started learning the songs as part of an education programme.

Mr Darrant invited anyone with knowledge of local history to get in touch with the castle and provide an input.

"We already have the main story but if anything exciting came to light, it could be incorporated," he said.

"Chester-le-Street gets left behind a bit so we thought this would be an ideal community project for people to get behind and work towards."