SOME of the county's most vulnerable and disadvantaged youngsters are giving a very modern take on one of the most traditional of stories.

The Story of Mary and Joe explores the tale of how a young couple from Hereford cope with an unplanned pregnancy, further complicated because Joe is not the father.

The performance at St Peter's Church in Hereford at 7.30pm on December 12 also features music from the Close House Choir while Sarah Jane Arbury, from Ledbury Poetry Festival, helped the young writers to pen verses for the show.

Films, made in partnership with media shypp, also form part of the entertainment.

Event director Toni Cook said: "It has been a major undertaking to involve all of these young people in a creative project that is relevant and exciting.

"Close House and media shypp work with some of Herefordshire's most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and it has been an absolute pleasure to direct a project that has given them new opportunities and skills, as well as something to be both excited about and very proud of."