SCOUTS and Guides from Thurrock are getting ready to welcome guests from across the borough for their annual Gang Show.

A tradition since 1968, this year’s show is Stride On and will feature a 50-strong cast from as young as nine.

It takes place at the Thameside Theatre, Grays, from Wednesday, March 5, to Saturday, March 8.

The cast has been rehearsing every week since October.

Show director, Jan Thurnell, who is officially the longest-serving Gang Show director in the world said: “Gang Show is a great opportunity for the youngsters to perform in front of a live audience, which they do with a high degree of professionalism, doing both themselves and their leaders proud.”

The show promises a mix of glamorous, traditional and modern musical numbers, entwined with comedy, retaining the traditional elements of Ralph Reader – the British actor who was best-known for staging the original Gang Show.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £6 for children and pensioners from Wednesday to the Saturday matinee and £11 and £7 for the Saturday evening performance.

Tickets are available from Tracey Clay on 01375 378863.

For more details about the show, visit www.thurrockgangshow.org