TALENTED young performers have won leading roles in a touring production of Peter Pan.

The musical, based on the classic children’s story by JM Barrie, is being staged at The Playhouse in Whitley Bay from August 5 to 7.

The role of Tinker Bell is being shared by several young actors, with 11-year-old Erin Thwaites from Wingate in County Durham playing the part on August 6 and Ashley Armstrong, also 11, from Peterlee taking to the stage on August 7.

Meanwhile 12-year-old Matthew Johnson, from Spennymoor, will take the role of Slightly, Peter Pan’s second in command.

More than 300 children auditioned for places in the show, being staged by ABD Productions.

Director and writer Anne Dalton said “I wanted to give so many of your talented youngsters the opportunity of working with our company on this large scale production.

“I don’t normally take so many into this production on tour but I was so spoilt for choice at audition day, I couldn’t resist.”

Tickets for the show, priced £14 or £12 for concessions, or on sale from www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk or 0844 248 1588.