A CREATIVE group of young York actors have been praised for their work in writing, producing and performing a night of theatre.

The Haxby-based Flying Ducks Youth Theatre Group staged All Our Own Work in the community's Methodist Church.

The play had two sections, the first a comedy murder mystery, the second dealing with serious issues including teenage pregnancy and divisions between men and women.

This was followed by one member of the group singing songs from classic musicals such as Grease and Miss Saigon.

Show Director Ellie Hopwood said the actors - aged between 14 and 16 - "can't be praised enough" for their efforts.

She said: "They have done brilliantly. The performance went really well with everyone giving it maximum effort. The group runs through the year and there are usually about 50 people, but for this there were just nine - and they were working without scripts.

"Everyone is really pleased."

Half of the proceeds from last night's performance were donated to the NSPCC.

For more information about the group, ring Ellie on 0771 444 2650.

Updated: 09:50 Saturday, August 25, 2001