Members of the Helston Methodist Church Drama Group are currently rehearsing a production of comic musical "Half a Sixpence" which is due to be staged early next month.

Originally written as a vehicle for Tommy Steele, the show, set in Folkestone in 1900, is packed with hit songs and lively dance routines.

"It is a really feel-good show - guaranteed to send you home with a smile on your face, a song on your lips and a spring in your step," said director Paul Blaber.

The 40-strong cast includes faces both old and new, with Gary Hunt - "Helston's answer to Tommy Steele" - playing Arthur Kipps and Helen Dawes, from Redruth, as his beloved Ann.

Gillian Geer, a popular performer with Helston audiences for over 25 years, plays Mrs Walsingham, while her husband, Jonathan, takes the comic role of actor and playwright Chitterlow.

Following on from his huge success as Cosmo Brown in "Singin' in the Rain" last year, Paul Benney appears as Buggins, with Clare Acton Paige, from Penryn, taking the role of Helen.

Anita Smuda is once again staging all the musical numbers and promises to fill the stage with colour and spectacle.

"Half a Sixpence" is at the Epworth Hall in Coinagehall Street from Wednesday, November 6 to Saturday, November 9, with daily evening performances and a matinee on the Saturday. Tickets will shortly be available from Family Cycles in Church Street, Helston.