THEATRE-lovers from all parts of the country descended on the county for a grand reunion of an amateur dramatic association.

Almost 100 people from as far away as Torquay, London and Canterbury attended the 20th birthday party of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section.

WODYS provides a platform for youngsters aged eight to 18 who are interested in the stage and, to celebrate the anniversary, a reunion was held at Salwarpe Village Hall for everyone who has been involved in the group over the last two decades.

The youth section was founded in 1982 because Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society, its parent group, was trying to persuade more youngsters to join.

"At that time we had a Saturday dance class for youngsters and it really all evolved from that," said David Humphries, WODYS chairman.

At the reunion party were two of the original members of that class, Alison Hopkins, formerly Alison Collier, now a teacher in Canterbury, and Jacky Gormley, a driving instructor in Worcester. Also there was Mary Beechey, who, with Mr Humphries, was the driving force behind the group's formation.

"Tonight we thank each other because all of us here had a small part to play in the past 20 successful years of WODYS, said Mr Humphries.

"In the beginning there were about 30 members, but now we've more than 70, with a waiting list of 20-plus. Once a year we hold auditions for our annual production and we have 60-70 youngsters turn up," he added.

For its 10th anniversary show WODYS began performing at The Swan Theatre and, from then on, The Swan has been the annual venue, mostly for musicals which have included Half a Sixpence, The Music Man, Oklahoma and Godspell.

This year's 20th anniversary show, which opens on Tuesday, July 30, is the musical Annie. With more than 70 people in the cast, rehearsals are well under way and ticket sales are going well.

"Our aim all along has been to provide a springboard for youngsters to perform on stage," said Mr Humphries, who admitted that when it all began, he would never have believed the young company had such a rosy future.

But when, on July 30, the lights go down and the curtain rises on Annie, The Swan Theatre audience will be left in no doubt why WODYS has become one of the leading amateur dramatic youth groups.