A group of young performers in Workington are preparing to not tread the boards but roll across them in the hit musical Starlight Express - and they've taken to the railway station to film trailer for the show.

Rehearsals for the Workington Amateur Operatic Society Junior production began in September and are on track for curtain up on February 15.

Famous for its use of performers on roller skates, the Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber production tells the story of a train set that magically comes to life, with diesel, electric and stream engines competing to become the fastest in the world.

Mark Stilwell, Waos spokesman, said: "Not only have the cast had music, lyrics, dances and script to learn but they have also had the huge challenge of learning to skate.

"They started skating sessions in July, two months before production rehearsals.

"A number of people have been shocked when we've said that the cast are going to be skating on stage but it wouldn't be Starlight Express without them.

"The cast have taken to skates like ducks to water so we're confident that it's going to be another jaw-dropping show."

Amelia Crawford plays Pearl, the newest first class observation coach, and Andrew White will attempt to win her heart as Rusty the steam engine.

American diesel engine Greaseball will be played by Andrew McMinn and Harry Douglas-Brown plays Electra, the Engine of the Future.

Retired champion steam engine Poppa will be played by Jack McNicholas.

Coaches will be played by Becca Milligan as Buffy, Chloe Steadman as Dinah and Evie Askew as Duvay.

Isabella Pirt will play Control, the young child in whose dream the story takes place.

Owen O'Donnell plays Red Caboose the brake truck.

The show aims to match the success of last year's junior production, Les Miserables.

It runs from February 15 to 18 at 7.15pm and tickets are available at www.carnegietheatre.co.uk , priced at £12.