A PLAY about four rock climbers is to be performed at an indoor climbing wall in Newton Aycliffe.

The play, to be performed on the Rock Antics wall at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, tells the story of four climbers, one from the 19th century, one a 1930s Glaswegian shipyard worker, a female French climber, and a present day climber who is haunted by the ghost of his brother.

It tells the story of their epic ventures to reach new heights and the pitfalls and perils that await them.

"Plays such as this are only supposed to happen in London," said writer David Napthine, from Binchester, near Spennymoor.

"However, I want the play to take place in the North-East and Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre is the ideal setting."

Funding has come from Sedgefield Borough Council, Rock Antics Ltd, an Arts in Business Grant and New Writing North.

Casting for the main parts is underway for the play which will run from September 20 to 22.

According to the organisers, the audience's attention will be held by the fear and the adrenaline of climbing, highlighted by the multi-media sounds, film and photography of the ascent.

All the film and photographic work, which will be beamed on to the wall, has been carried out in advance at Loch Lomond.

One of Britain's most famous actors, Brian Blessed, who has climbed Mount Everest, is expected to endorse the play.