FOUR talented North-East youngsters were making their stage debut with one of the country's oldest opera companies.

They took the part of extras in the Carl Rosa Opera Company production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Yeoman of the Guard at Sunderland's Empire Theatre.

The four - six-year-old Jessica Rump and eight-year-olds Sarah Clarke, Charlotte Barrow and Rebecca Butler - are members of the Kathleen David School of Dance, attached to the theatre.

Kathleen said: "We were approached directly by the Carl Rosa Opera Company to provide young extras, because we supply lots of productions in the area.

"The four were selected at in-house auditions. They have appeared in school plays but this is the first time they have taken part in a professional production.

"They are very excited about it, but the company has been impressed with how well behaved they are.''

The production will also be staged tonight at 7.30pm. Tickets cost between £10 and £18.50 and can be booked by calling the box office on 0191-514 2517.