THE terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre had unlikely repercussions in Darlington because the town's operatic society was busy making final preparations to stage West Side Story, which is set in New York.

"I don't think we could have gone on if rehearsals on September 11 had involved the song America," said director Martyn Knight.

Chairman Ian Whitfield immediately decided to donate £500 from the society's charity fund to the New York victims' appeal, and traditional opening night gifts between cast members is being turned into a fundraiser.

This is the first time that Darlington Operatic Society has staged West Side Story and has managed to find 32 young performers to play the street gangs of Jets and Sharks.

The key roles of lovers Maria and Tony are being sung by Middlesbrough pair Samantha Simpson and Glyn Bigham. They had previously starred in a 1999 Teesside production and were keen to take part in another performance.

Another find has been Darlington College of Technology Performing Arts lecturer Kevin Rowntree, who is not only performing as main character Bernardo, but has also choreographed all the fight scenes.

West Side Story will run at Darlington's Civic Theatre from October 24 until November 3. Tickets cost between £7 and £10.50 and are available from ticket secretary John Lloyd at 148 Woodland Road, Darlington, tel (01325) 467017.