AMATEUR dramatics veteran Mollie Binns has received an apt birthday present: the chance to choose an operatic society's show for this year.

Mollie, from Hawkshaw, celebrated her 90th birthday last month and members of All Saints (Elton) Amateur Operatic Society decided to let her choose one of this year's two productions.

And her choice? The well-loved The King and I which opens in December.

She has worked behind the scenes on theatrical productions for almost 70 years, putting her drawing skills to good use by designing sets and making props.

Mollie's move backstage came when she was performing in a show.

She admits that she was "a dead loss" on stage. "I can't sing, can't act and can't dance," she says. But her talents lay elsewhere.

She criticised the stage layout and was put in charge of set designing at the age of 22.

Widow Mollie has shown her commitment to All Saints by attending rehearsals every Monday for the society's two yearly shows.

About the The King and I, Mollie said: "Of all musicals, this is the most wonderful love story. It makes us think about other cultures.

"It is a very relevant musical."

The society will present The King and I at Clever Cloggs Day Care Centre in Walshaw Road, Bury, from December 3 to 7. Tickets can be obtained by calling 764 3292.