SCHOOLGIRLS are stepping back in time to the glory days of the music hall.

Taking their lead from the popular TV show of old, they are putting on their own Good Old Days extravaganza.

The girls at Queen Mary’s School at Baldersby Park near Thirsk are busy learning classics like Down at the Old Bull and Bush and My Old Man said Follow the Van.

More than 70 youngsters are involved and, as well as learning the songs, they will don period costumes to add to the music hall atmosphere.

And when the shows are staged next week the audience will also being encouraged to join in the spirit of the occasion and dress in period outfits too.

The shows will be raising money for the youngsters’ chosen charity, Beating Bowel Cancer, and will cover music hall styles from early Victorian days up to the Second World War.

Assistant music director Anthea Shepherdson said: "The simplicity of the music makes it attractive to all ages, as well as giving an insight into the musical culture of the Victorian-Edwardian and war eras."

There will be a special performance for senior citizens at 10.30am on December 8 and a second performance for parents and friends on December 10 at 7pm.

*The original TV programmes were recorded at Leeds City Varieties and ran for 30 years until 1983. The vintage variety show featured around 2,000 artists over the years, with Leonard Sachs starring in the role of the exuberant Master of Ceremonies.