A GROUP of youngsters hope to scare the living daylights out of people later this week.

Young people from East Harlsey, near Northallerton, are staging their own show at the village hall on Thursday night.

The Haunting of Harlsey is based on a 19th-Century drama full of legends, ghosts and revenge and stars 16-year-old local schoolgirl Sarah Little as Mad Mary Micklethwaite.

Aged between seven and 16, the performers have spent two weeks developing the drama.

The play has been developed by Thirsk-based Rural Arts..

Working alongside drama worker Jess Wild, they have also helped to create backdrops, costumes and publicity materials.

A spokesman said: "Performances in rehearsals have been superb and this will be an interesting evening out.

"A full audience will give a huge boost to the event."

Tickets are available from Sarah Martin (01609) 882546 or Karen Hillary (01609 882255) and cost £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.

Refreshments will also be available.

Anyone interested in developing a similar project should contact Janice McVay at Rural Arts on (01845) 526536. More details are available on the website www.ruralarts.org

Published: 24/08/2004