A JUNIOR version of the play based on the infamous story of the Lancashire Witch Trials will be performed by school pupils in the county.

Local history enthusiast and former Keighley Festival chairman, Malcolm Hanson, who is behind the production called 1612, has confirmed the play will be staged at Lammack Primary School in Blackburn.

Rehearsals are currently under way.

Mr Hanson, who lives in Skipton, added: “The play has had all the adult stuff removed and much of it has been re-written for children, but it is still quite powerful.

“I would also like to offer this junior version to Keighley schools. The drama department at Ilkley College have agreed to a read-through of the adult version next term.”

The trials of the Pendle witches in 1612 are among the most notorious in English history.

The 12 accused lived around the Pendle Hill area, and were charged with using witchcraft to kill ten people.

Of 11 people who went to trial, ten were found guilty and executed by hanging.

Many of the deadly allegations made in the witch trials resulted from members of two families making accusations against each other. Some historians believe the animosity between these families originated in them competing with each other by trying to make a living from healing, begging and extortion.

As reported in the Keighley News, Mr Hanson completed the first draft of the two act, 11-scene play last year.

He signed up musicians to work with himself and the engineer of Hideaway Studios, Andy Wells, who has been helping to produce much of the musical work.

The 1612 music ensemble consists of Lavinia AC, Mabel Blue and Dave Malt (singers), Steve Watts (keyboards), Andy (keyboards and guitars) and Malcolm on keyboards, guitars and vocals.