Young Stars shine bright for charity

Young Stars cast members, with show director Lindsey Bradbury and Janet Duffy-Thompson (top left) and Saddleworth Parish council chairman, Alma McInnes, centre, and members of the “Charlie” cast

A group of caring youngsters who donated the proceeds from one of their summer show night performances to charity, have been singled out for praise.

The children, members of the Young Stars, performed “Charlie”, their own adaptation of “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory”, to delighted audiences at Kiln Green Church, Diggle.

And Saddleworth Parish Council chairman, Alma McInnes, made a special visit to meet the show organisers and cast at the church to receive a cheque for £368 for her chosen charity.

She said: “This is a most kind and generous gesture and I am deeply touched by the thoughtfulness of the show’s organisers and the hard-working youngsters.

“The money will boost the chairman’s charity fund to more £3,000 so far this year, which is marvellous.”

Lindsey Bradbury, who formed the Young Stars 12 years ago, directed the show with assistant, Janet Duffy-Thompson.

Lindsey said: “Initially, the children were from the church and Sunday school, but over the years they have brought friends.

“The Young Stars have raised more than a £1,000 for different charities over the years, and we gave £400 to Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital from one of our performances of ‘Peter Pan’.

“We dedicate one performance from each show to charity. We know that the chairman’s charity will put our gift to good use.”

And Lindsey praised set designers Kate and David Millett, who also created the superb lighting effects, and the show’s musical director, Hilary Henderson.

The Young Stars are now working on a Christmas entertainment project which will include a musical nativity on a James Bond theme, “From Bethlehem with Love”.