ONE of the biggest West End musical successes is heading to Burnley Mechanics, thanks to to stars of the future from the Valley Academy.

Youngsters from the academy based in Crawshawbooth will be performing Les Miserables, based on the Victor Hugo novel, from Tuesday, June 30 to Saturday, July 5.

The production marks a remarkable rise for the academy which began just six years ago with six youngsters. Now it boasts 107 members plus Valley Aloud, its own adult choir which is some 77-strong.

There is also an adult acting group, Valley Actors, who performed Brassed Off in February.

Les Miserables, set during the French Revolution represents the groups biggest challenge so far.

Memorable songs from the show include the anthemic Do You Here the People Sing? and the musical became the longest running musical in the West End and has also sold out audiences on Broadway.

Under the direction of Grant Bromley, a cast of 77 aged from four to 18 have been rehearsing hard since the auditions back in October last year.

Such is the talent at Grant's disposal that three different girls will play the major roles of Fantine and Cosette during the run and two more playing Eponine.

To accompany each show, there will be a 14-piece orchestra led by local professional musician, Julia Taylor.

Due to the lack of a theatre of suitable size in Rossendale, the production will be staged at the Mechanics.

Tickets are now on sale from the Mechanics box office on 01282 664400.