THE story of Terry's chocolate factory - and its imminent demise - is being told this Friday in a theatrical production at a York school.

Up to 30 drama and history students at Manor School have produced Bittersweet with assistance from Riding Lights Theatre Company.

Organisers say the project seeks to celebrate the heritage of Terry's chocolate-making history, as well as mourn the ending of a 268-year York tradition.

It looks at the factory, the lives of its workers and its place within the community, and at the decision last year to close it down and switch production abroad later this year.

It also focuses on the Evening Press campaign to save Terry's from the axe, which generated support from across the York community and further afield.

Chief reporter Mike Laycock was one of a number of people who agreed to take part in recorded interviews conducted by students, and his part will be played by a pupil.

Oral history given by employees, past and present, including Peter Terry, the last of the Terry family to work at the factory, forms the raw material for the play.

An ordinary York employee, Dot Tomlinson, who started work at the factory in 1928, is another person who gave a recorded interview.

Ninety per cent of the script comes verbatim from the views, opinions and memories of those interviewed, with some sound clips re-played along with projected images.

Pupils researched the project by reading articles from books and newspapers, and watched a presentation by Dr Emma Robertson who has a PhD on women and the chocolate industry. BBC Radio York, was also involved, training the students in interviewing skills.

The production was funded by CARA (Creative Action Research awards), which seeks to promote partnerships between schools and creative practitioners.

The play will be performed - to an invited audience only - on Friday evening.

Updated: 10:37 Wednesday, March 02, 2005