DARWEN Library Players have a full cast for their epic Accrington Pals production - thanks to an appeal in the Citizen.

The theatre group was searching for two people to perform in a special play in Sunnyhurst Woods about the East Lancashire 11th battalion - which was almost wiped out in the trenches during the First World War.

And just days after our front page appeal, former soldiers Peter and Neil Sears were recruited to "go over the top" as 19-year-old volunteers Ralph and Tom.

The players were delighted with the response and play director Jenny Billingsley said: "It couldn't have been better, especially since Peter and Neil will be able to draw on their real-life army experiences when they play their parts. We are very grateful to the Citizen for saving the day."

The production, scheduled to run between June 27 and July 1, is the first outdoor production staged by the players. Natural settings will become the stage and the audience will be asked to participate by following the action through the woods.

"It's a very exciting project, added Mrs Billingsley, "the audience will be ensured a wonderful experience."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.