VETERAN radio presenter Stewart McFarlane will join a Teesside drama group when it takes part in a record-breaking performance.

The Saltburn '53 Drama Group is taking part in the BT Biennial event, the biggest amateur dramatics event in the UK this year, performing the latest play by top television writer Bob Larbey.

Groups around the country will be performing Sandcastles, written by the man who created The Good Life, A Fine Romance and As Time Goes By.

Mr McFarlane, MBE, a presenter with Radio Cleveland, is battling back after a throat operation to join the group for the performances, with the premiere on Saturday, October 14 in Saltburn Community Theatre.

There will be further performances from Thursday, October 19, to Saturday, October 21.

The doors and theatre bar open at 7pm for a 7.30pm curtain rise.

Tickets can be obtained from the Tourist Information office in Saltburn on (01287) 622422, from Kings newsagent, Saltburn on (01287) 622246 and on the door. They cost £4.50, or £3.50 for concessions.