A WELL-known theatre group has been forced to cancel a performance for the first time in its 67 years in the Rossendale Valley.

Organisers of the Rossendale Players said they had no other choice but to call off their latest performance of Confusions, a comedy by Alan Ayckbourn, which was due to be performed from June 7 to 14.

The cancellation follows a string of problems with rehearsals that prevented performers from being able to practise together.

Organisers said they decided they would rather cancel the show than to give a half-hearted performance.

Committee member Stanley Whittaker said the Players, who are based at the New Millennium Theatre, Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, deeply regretted having to make the decision. He assured followers and season ticket holders that a replacement show had been organised. Stanley, who has been a member of the Players since 1948 said: "It's very disappointing but rather than go ahead and put something on that was not up to standard we decided to call it off.

"We were finding it difficult to find rehearsal times which suited everyone because of work commitments.

"To keep faith with our audience and season ticket holders we have now arranged for a replacement called Dramatic Society by Alan Bennett which will run from June 28 to July 2.

"With this performance we can also make sure we don't lose out financially as there will be something going on in the theatre to generate income."

Despite the Players having good membership, Stanley said that as the years go on it is getting harder to find people to get involved.

He added: "Things are changing so much now, there is a wider spread of interests for people now than what there was when we first started out.

"We are lucky that we have a mix of ages taking part, young people only usually stay with us for a couple of years before they go off to college or university and the older people who are in work sometimes find it hard to make rehearsals because of other commitments which is what happened with this performance.

"It's hard to find the balance but we have managed to do that so far and still have a lot of interest and support which is what we need most of all."