John Masefield High School and Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Soc-iety are to join forces to create a new youth drama group.

The group will be based at the Market Theatre and aimed at people aged from 14 to 18.

The first meeting will take place at the theatre on Wednesday, March 5, from 6pm to 8pm.

Theatre manager Paul Graham said: "The intention is to stage a first production in June. We've had our ear to the ground and believe there is considerable demand for a drama group welcoming to all teenagers.

"The likelihood is that we'll integrate workshops into the productions. The gaining of theatre skills will be invaluable to anyone considering a career in theatre, on or off the stage."

LADS already has a junior membership and this will continue separately with one production a year.

But Mr Graham said: "The new group will meet every week and will aim at two productions a year."

From September, Here-fordshire Council and John Masefield High School will fund a full-time drama specialist at the school, who will assist with youth drama group productions.

Although the school, which has arts college status, is a partner in the venture, the group will be open to all teenagers of the right age in the area, regardless of which school they attend.

At present, the proposed new band of young actors is in need of a name.

Mr Graham said: "The hope is that the new members will name it themselves."

The new group will have only three months to stage its first production with the nature of the show still to be decided.

n The next event at the Market Theatre will be a jazz evening with New Orleans Heat, on Saturday, February 22 from 8pm. The new cinema at the Market Theatre will screen Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring on February 23, at 3pm and 7pm.