ENTERTAINMENT lovers in the Stratford area will be glad to see that there's plenty that's Live and Local for them to enjoy.

Live and Local is a scheme which sees Warwickshire linked with Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Solihull to offer a busy programme of arts events at small venues all over the area.

Director John Laidlaw said: "It's non-stop action at Live and Local venues until Christmas. We've got 28 shows happening in Warwickshire and even more if you fancy travelling a bit further afield."

Organisers warn, however, that there is a threat to the future of the programme as Warwickshire County Council has cut its budget for the second year running.

The scheme helps more than 100 village halls and community venues choose and promote professional entertainment and is one of 40 schemes across the UK under the wing of The National Rural Touring Forum.

November is a busy month in the south Warwickshire area, with a variety of entertainment on offer.

The story of the original TV chef is up first. In Fanny Craddock: The Life and Loves of a Kitchen Devil, both her fearsome public face and her private softer side are set to be revealed in a comedy by Hunt Roberts Theatre. It comes to Oxhill Village Hall, near Shipston, on Friday, November 12 (01295 680850), Bishops Itchington on November 13 (01926 612402), Pailton on November 20 (01788 832436) and Atherstone on November 26 (01827 722198).

Hot from the Edinburgh Festival, The Black Sheep company is bringing its FairLy Tales to Barford Memorial Hall on November 12 (01926 624203). It is an improvised storytelling show for families with children aged six and over.

The new musical version of Hansel and Gretel is coming to Stretton-on-Fosse Village Hall (01608 662848). Image Musical Theatre is returning to the Live and Local scene to perform the show which will include youngsters taken from the audience to perform, as well as plenty of participation from those still in their seats.

Finally, as it heads towards Christmas, it's time for The Grand Theatre of Lemmings to bring the Lemmings Festive Frolic to Aston Cantlow Village Hall on November 25 (01789 488470). Audiences can expect to join in and witness some stilt walking, escapology and plenty of fun.

Full details of all the Live and Local events are available in the what's on guide. Call for copies on 01926 402173 (e-mail admin@liveandlocal.org.uk).