A COMING-OF-AGE celebration for a Blackburn theatre group involved a worldwide hunt to track down former members.

Blackburn Youth Theatre has provided tuition for thousands of youngsters in the town for 18 years and many have gone on to tread the boards professionally.

The theatre has had four different bases in the town since 1985, but now holds sessions on Sunday afternoons at the Capita Performing Arts centre, in Aqueduct Road, Ewood.

Administrator Rebecca Morgan tracked down several former members and discovered they had been performing all over the world.

One of the original members, Harriet Roberts, an ex-pupil of St Bede's, now 34, specialises in live events for the BBC and another, Martin Tomlinson, 23, runs a performance company which has toured to Hungary, Estonia and Paris.

Former member and Radio Cumbria drivetime presenter Liz Barnes, 27, said: "I have fond memories of the theatre and, although I don't act any longer, the skills I learnt are still used in my radio career."

Miss Morgan said: ""Some of the people I've spoken to say they are still in touch with the friends they made here years ago."

For details about the theatre call 01254 59590.