The Carnival of Legends has been written especially for Theaterbox drama group by well-known children's author Terry Deary and it will see the young actors and actresses depicting a string of different legends.

The musical, taking place on Saturday, July 5, is described as 'a child for a child' initiative, where the youngsters help fundraise for children less fortunate than themselves.

The performance will mark the first musical to take place at the Royal Hall since its renovation and it holds special significance for the theatre group which was also the last group on stage before its 2001 closure.

Set to the backdrop of a big top, Carnival of Legends looks set to appeal to people of all ages, especially those who like spooky tales, with all of the tales originating in the North of England and having a air of mystery about them.

Were the Cottingley fairies real? Did Lord Hylton murder the stable boy who haunts the castle? What did Mr Pimm keep in the book cupboard at the school where the children kept disappearing? Had the butcher's girlfriend had too much to drink or did she really see a headless archbishop on the moors?

Director Lesley Goakes said she was surprised by Terry Deary's involvement and said the youngsters have been rehearsing for the musical since September.

She said: "I have been teaching for 21 years, but instead of doing a production of Annie or Oliver again, I wanted to do something different.

I was saying that it was very, very difficult to find new children's plays and Terry flippantly said he would write one for us."

Over the past few months the children have been visited by the Harrogate Morris Men morris dancers, choreographers and music teachers while parents and friends have been busy helping make stage scenery and costumes.

The musical will feature three of North Yorkshire's most talented young stars are in lead roles - ex-Royal Ballet School member Ben Goakes, accomplished young actress and singer who has performed at the Royal Albert Hall, Gemma Ackerly, and Lucy Smith another young actress with great ambitions in the world of theatre.

There will also be a collection on the door as well as a chance to win raffle prizes which include chocolate, gardening and wine hampers and teeth-whitening vouchers.

The matinee performance is at 2.30pm with an vening performance starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, concessions £5.

Tickets are available from www.harrogateboxoffice.co.uk or by phoning 0845 130 8840.