THE adventures of orphan Annie are coming to the region next month and local children will help bring her story to life.

Pupils from the Stagecoach Theatre Schools in the North-East will be part of the cast when Annie opens at Darlington Civic Theatre.

The schools teach youngsters in Darlington, Yarm, Bishop Auckland and Northallerton.

They will be among the stars of the show as the story of Annie's journey from Miss Hannigan's orphanage to the luxurious home of Oliver Warbucks is told, taking in musical favourites Easy Street, Tomorrow and It's a Hard Knock Life, along the way.

The show runs from Monday until Saturday, September 10.

Tickets cost between £10 and £20.50 and are available from the theatre box office, on (01325) 486555