THE old-fashioned entertainment that once went hand-in-glove with a trip to the seaside is being preserved - by the teenagers of today.

Members of the Senior Youth Theatre at Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal have been investigating the work of the Pierrots, who once kept tourists entertained along the Yorkshire coast.

And the results of their studies, in the form of photographs, written work and a DVD, have now gone on show in the theatre and will remain there for the rest of the month.

Their work is part of a two-year Heritage Lottery-funded project, We Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside, developed by Bradford-based Promenade Promotions.

It is trying to record the disappearing traditions of Pierrot troupes and concert parties that were once a familiar sight in resorts.

The troupes were one of the only indigenous British performance forms, but very little information about their history has been recorded.

The project aims to keep the tradition alive through exploring Yorkshire's seaside concert party history and pass on an understanding to future generations.

The Richmond teenagers are one of four groups across the Yorkshire region working on the project and next year a their work will be put together for a major regional touring exhibition and DVD.

The project has widespread support from, among others, the Arts Council, museums, archive services and schools.