THE Jets and Sharks are putting the finishing touches to preparations for their first major public performance.

Members of Durham's Gala Theatre Stage School have staged two one-night productions since their formation last year.

But the cast of 48 teenagers are now poised for the culmination of months of rehearsals with a six-performance run of West Side Story.

The classic musical tells the story of love and tragedy among rival Hispanic gangs in west side New York of the 1950s.

It will be performed at the Gala Theatre from tomorrow until Saturday.

Stage school director Lisa Thorner said: "After putting on a couple of very successful one-night shows, the students wanted to get their teeth into a full production and West Side Story is the result.

"We have more than 60 people taking part, not just on stage, but as part of the technical team back stage.

"The good news is that the Mayor of Durham is giving us his full support and has pledged to come along to help us get over the first night nerves on opening night."

Councillor Ray Gibbon and his wife, Margaret, will be in the audience for curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets are available for all but the final night performance on Saturday. There is also a Saturday matinee, at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £10, with concessions, available from the box office, on 0191-332 4041.