A VILLAGE theatre group is gearing up for its latest production - after experiencing a new lease of life in the past three years.

Osmotherley Village Theatre, based in the village near Northallerton, has seen its numbers more than double in the past few years.

The numbers of people joining the group has risen from about nine to between 20 and 30, with increasing numbers of local people keen to tread the boards with the drama group.

The North Yorkshire group was founded in 1978 and since then has largely managed to stage two plays a year.

Now it is gearing up to stage its latest production, Neville’s Island, written by the multi-award winning writer of Calendar Girls, Tim Firth.

The production tells the tale of four businessmen on an out-of-control team-building exercise in the Lake District. Menaced by wildlife, the unlikely explorers battle with the elements.

Two of those taking the leading roles will be making their debut with the group. They include Paul Howlett, a dentist who works in Billingham, who is taking the role of Neville and Alex Bilby, a local teacher who will be taking the role of Angus.

The play will be staged in Osmotherley Village Hall between Wednesday, November 12 and Friday, November 14.

The evening begins at 7.30pm in Osmotherley Village Hall Osmotherley. Tickets are priced £6, with £4 concessions available on Wednesday and are available from The Top Shop in Osmotherley, or by ringing 01609-883224 or 01609-883128.