Rehearsals for one of the other sketches in the revue. A previously unpublished image.

The stage was set and as the opening bars of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" rose into a great crescendo out from the wings tripped three ugly ducklings with all the grace of a herd of stampeding elephants! Yes, staff of the Burnley Group of Hospitals were rehearsing for their New Year revue. The "Ballerinas" in question, Martin Euans, Alan Gibson and Alan Trinder, are all members of the hospital nursing staff, and they'll be appearing at the General Hospital tonight and on February 14th.

The revue was an annual event until six years ago, when the idea had to be dropped because of organisational difficulties. The latest show has been organised by staff members Mr Peter Hargreaves and Mr Jack Atkinson with script and choreography by Mr Hargreaves, who was a regular member of the cast in previous years. The show, which includes humorous sketches, folk songs and mimes, will also be presented at Reedyford Hospital, Nelson, and Calderstones Hospital, Whalley, later in the year. The 30-strong cast has been rehearsing for the past 14 weeks and, if the show is as successful as everyone hopes, there will be a number of additional shows for members of staff within the group.