A disabled mime troupe is going public to raise money that will help them take their place at the world's largest arts festival this summer.

The Seedlings drama group, based at the Cathedral Centre, Bradford, has secured two 40-minute slots at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Members of the group have disabilities from autism to dyslexia, their youngest member is 19-years-old, their eldest 57, and they can often be seen performing their unique shows in bus stations around West Yorkshire.

The 16 members carry out choreographed routines to the sound of their favourite songs, from Meat Loaf and Celine Dion to Chesney Hawks and Queen.

It will be the eighth time in ten years the Seedlings have landed a place at the Fringe but they need to raise £2,000 to cover their week-long stay in August.

As they headed for a fundraising performance at Halifax bus station yesterday, they passed through Bradford Interchange where they gave the Telegraph & Argus - and surprised passers-by - a glimpse of their talents.

Drama tutor Jill Baxter said miming was a release for her students.

She said: "A lot of our members have learning problems such as dyslexia, Down's syndrome and autism, and struggle to communicate.

"They are so enthusiastic and have been planning for the festival since they came back last year."

Jill said the group are getting known in the Scottish capital after attracting crowds last year. She said: "They choose their own songs, design their own mimes and motif for their T-shirts. They've built up quite a repertoire and have new performances planned for Edinburgh."

Group member Toni Morris, 20, of Shipley, has dyslexia and enrolled to further her career ambitions.

She said: "I want to be a support worker so the staff thought it was a good idea to get involved with a group like this - it's teaching me how to deal with different people."

Keith Wilcock, 57, of Great Horton, Bradford, said: "I joined because I needed help with my confidence. Performing in Edinburgh is a bit nerve-wracking, but it's good fun."

A spokesman for the Fringe said: "As the largest open access arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival welcomes performers from all backgrounds and abilities. The rich cultural and social diversity that exists in the Fringe helps make the festival a truly unique experience for audiences and performers."

The Seedlings are one product of the Cathedral Centre which is a non-religious charity based in Captain Street, Wapping, Bradford.

It runs courses in literacy and numeracy for people seeking to better their skills. Members of the drama group have taken qualifications in stage crafts and performance skills at the centre through the Learning Skills Council.

To help raise the money to reach Edinburgh a fundraising day of live music and comedy is being held at The Mannville Arms, in Great Horton Road, from 3pm tomorrow.

Glam rockers The Shadow of Wrong and punk outfit Wild Trash are on the bill along with rock DJs Phil Kirk and Alec Marlow and comedian Ben Cunningham. Admission is free, all donations will go to The Seedlings.