FILM and television star John McArdle is visiting Haslingden on Saturday for talks about the town's proposed community play.

Former Brookside actor John, who lives in East Lancashire, has agreed to be a patron of the play, along with Coronation Street's Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Patterson) and Hyndburn MP Greg Pope.

He will meet playwright Kevin Fegan at Haslingden Community Link, in the former St Mary's RC Primary School, in Piccadilly Street, where it is hoped to stage some of the performances.

Action for Haslingden Partnership leaders Peter Fisher and Sally Collins, along with John Carley, project officer for Project one O one are also taking part in the talks.

Kevin is creating the play from ideas and suggestions from writers in the community, which is described as a down-to-earth magical family show mixing drama, music, dance and spectacle.

Local individuals and community groups will be involved in all aspects of the play from on-stage to back-stage.

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