A LOCAL charity is putting on a show to remember to raise much-needed cash.

St Catherine's Hospice, at Lostock Hall, Preston, is using members of its own Charity Players drama group to perform the hit West End comedy Stepping Out, from Wednesday, May 15, to Sunday, May 18.

To care for their its in Preston and South Ribble, the hard-working hospice needs to raise more than £3 every minute of the day.

The group's latest scheme is their cash-boosting new play.

Following on from their popular science fiction musical, Return to the Forbidden Planet, Stepping Out is a colourful musical which is set to be just as successful.

Maureen Nickson, trading company manager for St Catherine's Hospice, is also treading the boards to play Mavis in the production.

She said: "I'm very involved in amateur dramatics and each year we try to put on about two plays. They usually raise about £2,000 for us.

"It gives people the opportunity to play on a professional stage with a professional crew."

Made famous by the film starring Liza Minnelli and Julie Walters, Stepping Out tells the story of a group of tap dancers who practise in a church hall.

The group are invited to take part in an area dance festival -- but will they be ready on time and can their teacher Mavis cope with the pressure?

Director Jack Fisher is at the helm of the production. Maureen added: "Jack is a bit special. He was recently in Coronation Street.

For tickets ring the Guild Hall box office on 258858.