ANNIE the musical is being staged at the Swan Theatre in Worcester to help raise money for families with disabled children.

The youth section of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) will perform the show from Tuesday, July 30, to Saturday, August 3, and host a raffle to help fundraise for Barnardo's.

In previous years, the society has raised £7,000 for other charities but decided this year to support Barnardo's Worcestershire short breaks project.

WODYS' director and producer David Humphries said that they chose the charity because it works directly on an ongoing basis with more than 50,000 children, young people and their families in 300 projects nationwide.

He said: "It seemed appropriate to go for a group which helps to transform children's lives the same as Daddy Warbucks transforms Annie's life in the musical."

The project offers help for families with disabled children by providing carers to give parents a break and to involve the youngsters in sports and social activities.

Tickets for the show are on sale at the Swan Theatre box office, on 01905 27322.