A PROJECT inspired by elderly residents living in and around Cradley is making a real difference to all the children who attend the local school.

In September, a huge tented theatre will be erected in the village and over one week, an audience of 1,500 people will come to see The Crowns of Cradley: a Community Play.

The role of the schoolchildren is crucial to the success of the project.

Local resident Peter Diamond has written a colourful, funny and at times tragic drama that spans eight decades of one family's history.

Beginning in 1897 (Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee) and ending in 1977 (the present Queen's Silver jubilee) the play is inspired by the memories of residents, many of whom are now in their 80s and 90s.

Dawn Hyett, headteacher of Cradley Primary School, had no doubt pupils should be involved.

She said: "This has been an amazing opportunity for the children to work together and gain confidence from drama workshops, choral speaking, dancing and singing.

There is great value in children learning to concentrate, work together and commit to a team in a creative rather than a prescribed setting."

Each week during term time, one afternoon has been dedicated to workshops for the play.