A JUNIOR drama group will dazzle audiences with a spectacular performance of Les Miserables at the Winsford Academy.

Vale Royal Juniors, which is made up of local children aged 13-18, will perform the classic tale at the Winsford Academy theatre between Wednesday, April 8 and Saturday, April 11.

Set in early 19th-century France, Le Mis tells the story of French peasant Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after a 19-year stint in jail for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child.

The original novel by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo has been adapted countless times, form Broadway, to the West End to the big screen.

Jenny Sanderson, chairman of the Vale Royal Juniors committee, said: “This is the biggest thing we’ve ever done by a mile.

“It’s a massive, massive show. It’s grown and we have an 18-piece orchestra, which isn’t bad for a little local junior group. We’re very grateful to them.”

Jenny has worked with the group for 26 years, and has overseen countless productions during that time.

The group have performed Joseph, Summer Holiday, Dazzle and Henry the Tudor Dude to name a few. All of the productions are self-funded through various fundraising activities.

“It’s hard work to keep going,” Jenny said. “Myself and another lady make most of the costumes ourselves. I do hair, I do makeup, I do the programmes. I’m just a general dogsbody.

“We do what has to be done. The committee is not very big. It’s hard to get people to volunteer these days.

“Me and my friend have been doing this 22 years. Our children was in it many moons ago. I love working with young people.”

Les Miserables will run at the Winsford Academy theatre between Wednesday, April 8 and Saturday, April 11. Tickets cost £8.

For more information, call 01606 554351.