THE Nativity was given a truly modern twist by Worcester youngsters, who decided to swap tradition for the razzmatazz of Hollywood.

The play, based loosely on the Christmas story, was written by five budding actresses from the Medway Road Youth Club and community worker Abby Wright.

The schoolchildren, aged 11 to 13, gave their alternative performance, with numerous costume changes, at the centre in Ronkswood, last night.

Ms Wright said the children had great fun performing their skit on a Nativity play, with the theatre group being created after a request by youth club members.

"The girls started rehearsing a couple of months ago and they dressed up in all sorts of costumes - Nativity clothes, fishnets, hot-pants, sparkly tops and bodices."

Ms Wright, who works for Worcester Action for Youth, said she would like more children people to become involved in acting, especially boys.

The theatre is just one of many schemes set up under the Medway Youth Project, which began six months ago after the 18th Worcester Scout hut in Medway Road was given a £200,000 revamp.

Drop-in computer facilities, a pool room, coffee bar a skateboard park, basketball court, hall and children's playground are now all part of the multi-purpose centre. For any further information contact Kate Little or Victoria Cooper on 01905 769803.

"They have a Hollywood director within the play who comes in and changes the style of the play throughout the performance," said Ms Wright.