YOUNG performers are preparing to step out for the first time on a professional stage tonight.

Pupils at Belmont Comprehensive School, and youngsters from feeder primary schools, will premier a dramatic work called Beautiful Mountain.

It will be performed at Durham's Gala Theatre for three nights from tonight.

Working with artists from Jack Drum Arts, a community arts organisation based in county Durham, and funded by the Creative Partnerships scheme, the pupils have created a performance using drama, dance, music and digital film.

It features songs written by year two pupils from Belmont Infant School, with other musical contributions from year five pupils from Belmont Junior School, West Rainton, Pittington, Cheveley Park, Sherburn Village and Ludworth primary schools, all supported by Paddy Burton from Jack Drum Arts.

Belmont School's year nine and ten pupils worked with dramatist Julie Ward on the script, while the show features four short films made by year eight pupils and film-maker Helen Ward.

Jan Cooper, curriculum team manager for performing arts at Belmont School, said: "It's good that young people have the chance to perform in a professional theatre and to have helped to create an original piece of theatre."

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm each night, are priced £3.

They are available from the theatre box office, by calling 0191- 332 4041.