Two pupils at the Kirkham Abbey Performing Arts, in Malton, will share the title role when the musical Annie is staged at York Theatre Royal next month.

Lauren Hood and Gemma Kirk will appear as America's favourite little orphan on alternate performances.

They have recently appeared together in Joseph And His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at another York theatre, the Grand Opera House.

The York Light Opera Society show also features Rory Mulvihill and Julie-Anne Smith, who took the title roles in the production of Mack And Mabel last year. Other cast members include society regulars Tasha Moss, John Raw, Patrick Couzens, Geoffrey Turner and Carol Richardson.

The director, musical director and choreographer is Bev Jones. Annie runs from February 13 to 24 at the Theatre Royal. Tickets cost from £5 with concessions for children. There will be audio-described performances on February 23, at 7.30pm, and February 24, at 2.30pm. For tickets, call the box office on (01904) 623568