LOCAL students are to take part in an acclaimed stage play of a classic novel.

The pupils from Darlington's Education Village will be performing alongside professional actors in a performance of Kes at Darlington Civic Theatre.

The play is based on Barry Hines' novel, A Kestrel for a Knave, which was made into an award-winning film.

It has been adapted for the stage by Lawrence Till, also director of the Channel 4 series Shameless.

This new production is directed by Nikolai Foster and produced by The Touring Consortium.

It tells the story of a young boy who finds a kestrel chick and with the help of a library book teaches himself to raise it.

In doing so he escapes the harsh realities of life and discovers a mutual respect and love which has been missing from his life.

The cast includes Katherine Dow Blyton (Hollyoaks), David Crellin (Emmerdale), Mike Burnside (The Bill) and Daniel Casey (Midsomer Murders).

The show runs from tomorrow (TUES) until Saturday.

All performances are at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Thursday at 2pm and Saturday 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced at £17 to £24.50 with discounts available.

All Thursday matinee seats are £17, and there is 20per cent off the first night.