AN award-winning theatre group is now in the final few weeks of preparation for its next musical production 'Calamity Jane'.

Todmorden Hippodrome Youth Theatre (formerly known as TOYS) - is ready to set toes tapping and hands clapping with popular songs like 'Deadwood Stage', 'The Black Hills Of Dakota' and 'Secret Love'

The story, in true musical tradition, revolves around love and romance. The two main characters, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hiccock, fall in love, but don't realise it until it is almost too late.

The group are part of Todmorden Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society, and have been performing shows since the late 1970s.

The group originally started as just a musical troupe, but in recent times has changed direction to incorporate straight drama as well.

Recently, the group has been nominated for, and received, various awards for the standard of its productions and the award-winning team of Musical Director Helen Clarkson, Director Andrew Rawlinson and Choreographer Rachel Rogers, has again been assembled to lead this production.

The lead characters are played by two of the groups senior members, Vikki Smith and Steven Hooper, and the supporting cast includes Joel Whitham and Jodie Haughton.

Tickets for the performances are priced £5/£3.50. All tickets on the opening night will be £3.50. These are available from Todmorden Tourist Information Centre on 01706 818181.