A YOUTH group's plans to stage a Disney musical were almost thwarted - until the company that manages the rights had a last-minute change of heart.

Brunshaw Action Group had secured permission to stage Disney's High School but it was withdrawn due to the musical going on a national tour.

But the group were given a reprieve after the company that manages the rights heard about their community work.

Rehearsals have now started ready for the January performances.

Julia Vercoe, director of Brunshaw Action Group, said: "Rehearsals are going really well for the production.

"We decided we wanted to do it and we went through all the right procedures to get the rights but they then refused because of the national tour.

"They didn't want our performance to affect the touring show. We couldn't understand how a small organisation like ours putting on the show would be able to affect a touring performance. It's only a junior production after all.

"But because we're an action group set up to cut out juvenile nuisance and work with disadvantaged and disabled young people across the Pennine area, we've been allowed it."

Brunshaw are the only youth theatre that have been allowed the rights to the show while the production is on a nationwide tour.

The production will involve more than 150 volunteers from actors to costume designers and box office workers.

Michael Bailey, the producer of the show and group project manager, said: "We had 104 children audition for the show but we could only give parts to 47 of them.

"We actually extended the cast because the children were so talented that we wanted to involve as many as possible.

"The children were over the moon when we told them that the show was going ahead. They had chosen the show to perform because they had seen the film and loved it."

The production takes place on January 4 and 5 at Burnley Youth Theatre, Queens Park Road. Tickets are available with a suggested donation of £4.50 for adults and £3.75 for children.

To reserve tickets call 01282 715400.