Bolton Woods resident Beryl Barker was so fascinated by the story of Anne Frank that she decided to write a play based on it.

Now she is preparing to direct the drama, which is being performed later this year at The Priestley.

The play will be produced by a newly-formed Bolton Woods-based drama group and members are appealing for more people to get involved.

Beryl devised the play around the famous diaries of Anne Frank - the Jewish girl who, along with her family, hid from the Nazis during the Second World War in the attic rooms of an Amsterdam canal house.

"I'm interested in history, particularly the wartime period, and I've always been interested in Anne Frank's story," said Beryl.

"I read the book and watched the films based on it. I've always thought it was a wonderful, moving story."

Beryl's play is being performed by the Online Drama Society, a new theatre group which she helped to set up in Bolton Woods.

The company plans to stage the play at The Priestley in November. "It's very much a community-based group, although not just for people in Bolton Woods," said Beryl.

"There are currently six members - some have had drama experience and some haven't. One of our members, Rachel Taylor, has disabilities but has a very active role in the group. In the play she is Meip, Anne Frank's father's secretary who played a big part in hiding the family.

"Rachel is also co-ordinating our fundraising programme, so we can afford to stage our production at The Priestley. We need at least £800 to use the theatre."

Fundraising events include a sponsored horse ride, which Rachel is taking part in, a 1940s-1970s theme night, and a sponsored swim.

The group, which rehearses at Bolton Woods Social Club every Wednesday at 7.30pm, is looking for more members, aged 16 upwards. Members are needed for both onstage and backstage work. The group is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses.

Anyone who can help, or would like to join the Online Drama Society, is asked to contact Beryl on (01274) 586753.