STEEL Town, a musical based on the closure of Consett Steelworks, which ripped the heart out of the town 20 years ago, gets its first performances on home ground next week.

Students from South Tyneside College's Btec Performing Arts course will stage it at Consett Empire, on September 13 and 14.

It was written by college lecturer, Tom Kelly, and former colleague Steve Thompson, who now works at Teesside University, but served his apprenticeship at the steelworks.

Steel Town has performances at 7.30pm with a matinee at 1.30pm on the Thursday. Tickets cost £4 and £3. Box office: 01207 218171