A FORMER Keighley Festival chairman has completed the script of a new play based on the story of the infamous Lancashire Witch Trials.

Local history enthusiast Malcolm Hanson is also in the middle of creating a musical version of the same story.

Mr Hanson said the two-act play, which is called "1612", has been designed to be suitable for youngsters to perform.

He added: "I've done a huge editing job, bringing the musical to a more manageable 13,000 words, and the whole thing will last about an hour and a half.

"I'm still working on the music and don't expect this to be ready to perform before 2017, but as a simple play the work can be performed from this autumn.

"I currently have two possible 'takers' – a private school and a college.

"The script is available to all interested youth drama groups and schools by e-mailing me at malcolm.b.hanson@gmail.com or calling 01756 798730."

He stressed that the script does not have to be performed in its entirety, and can be edited if any prospective drama teachers feel it is too long or complicated.

Mr Hanson, who lives in Skipton, said he has tried wherever possible to make sure scene changes are limited to basic items such as simple pieces of furniture and minimalist backdrops.

Although the actual musical version is still to be finished, there are several songs in the play.

Some of the music is already available on YouTube and Cloud, and a CD will be ready soon as a ‘demo-disc’ to send to potential producers, performance and directors.

The musicians working with Mr Hanson are Mabel Blue, Lavinia AC, Andy Wells and Dave Malt.

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

A group of a dozen people living around Pendle Hill were charged with using witchcraft to murder people.