Rehearsing his part in the musical Me and My Girl is proving a welcome distraction for Peter Whitley as his son Jason prepares for a lead role in the potential war against Iraq.

Mr Whitley, from Meadow Close, Harden, plays the leading man Bill Snibson in Guiseley Amateur Operatic Society's show.

But at the back of the 45-year-old's mind are fears for his son Jason, an avionics technician stationed at RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland.

Jason, 21, a former pupil of Bingley Grammar School, who works on Tornado jet fighters, expects his squadron to be called to Kuwait in the next two weeks to prepare for possible action .

"The good news is that Jason would be stationed with the squadron in Kuwait, well away, hopefully, from the serious fighting," Mr Whitley said.

"But obviously you worry about things. I'd rather the whole thing with Saddam Hussein be settled peacefully.

"As for Jason, it's his job. He trains for this kind of thing, so the boys in the forces have a sense of wanting to get out there and do what they've been trained for." Mr Whitley said rehearsing the part has helped keep his mind off his son's part in any possible war.

"I love the role. It was scripted by Stephen Fry and it shows in the quality of the writing," he said.

"You don't have to be a great singer or a great dancer. It's principally about putting over the comedy, and that's what I enjoy."

Me and My Girl is at Guiseley Theatre from February 22 to March 1. Tickets, costing £6 to £9, can be bought by calling 01943 875644.