THE 150th anniversary of Barnardos will be celebrated by Settle Amateur Operatic Society's production of The Likes of Us.

This was the first musical ever written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, which they wrote in 1965.

Unable to get a producer to take it on, the show lay in a drawer until 2005, when it was taken out, dusted down and presented in concert at Sir Andrew’s annual Sydmonton Festival, after which it was released for amateur production.

The musical tells the story of Dr John Barnardo, who established his first Ragged School in London’s East End in 1866 and devoted his life to helping destitute children.

The show has a wealth of fascinating, colourful characters like Rose, a Cockney good time girl, young lovers Johnny and Jenny, the whole of the eccentric British Cabinet, an excitably persuasive auctioneer, the raucous frequenters of the public house called the Edinburgh Gin Palace.

The production would not be complete with the delightfully vulnerable children who inspired Barnardo to do something about their plight.

Musical director Pam Whitehead said: "The show is full of wonderful songs and melodies. This was Webber’s very first musical and people who enjoy his work will also enjoy ‘spotting’ the music which he went on to develop in his latter, and more well-known works."

Barnardo’s stopped running children’s homes over 30 years ago, but its work today is based on the same set of values that Barnardo’s was founded on.

Throughout the UK, its aim is to help children and young people in the greatest need, providing counselling services, fostering and adoption services and training for disability and inclusion.

The Settle society has been working closely with Barnardo’s in Leeds to further the charity's work and there will be a collection each show night to support their ongoing work.

The show will be performed from Wednesday to Saturday, October 29, including a Saturday matinee, at Victoria Hall in Settle.

Tickets are available at the box office, by ringing 01729 825718 from 10am to 4pm, or by visiting settleoperatic.co.uk