TALENTED youngsters from throughout West Yorkshire will take to the stage later this week in a bid to keep the county's air ambulance in the skies.

More than 70 young people from throughout the county have been rehearsing since Christmas to put on the West Yorkshire Scout Gang Show.

Cubs, Scouts and Explorers - aged between eight and 25-years-old - have learnt comedy sketches, dance routines, and classic songs for the event which will run from March 10 to 12 at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax.

Tickets are still available for some shows.

A West Yorkshire Scout spokesman said: "The great thing about the show is that you don't have to be a member of the Scout Association to appreciate the performance.

"These young people show what can be achieved by dedication and hard work, bucking the trend that youngsters today are only gathering to cause mischief."

The show's cast has been recruited from the Kirklees, Bradford and Calderdale Scout districts.

Tickets, priced £5 to £8, for the evening shows at 7.15pm or Saturday matinee at 2.15pm, can be booked on 01422 351158.

See the website www.wy scouts.org.uk for more information on West Yorkshire Scouts.