TWO Dorset dance and theatre schools will be merging for a one-night spectacular performance on Sunday, July 14, to celebrate Stagecoach's 25th anniversary.

The New Milton and Ferndown Stagecoach schools will be taking to the stage at the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne to perform a new take on Pinocchio and The Worn Out Shoes.

The show will raise money for InterAct, a charity which supports young people with learning disabilities and people recovering from mental health problems.

The musical extravaganza has also been organised to welcome Emily Edwards as the new principal of the Ferndown Stagecoach, as she is taking over from Lucy Braga. Emily had been working as the dance teacher at the New Milton Stage coach for several years.

She said: “I am so excited about becoming the principal of Stagecoach Ferndown, which will become Stagecoach Ringwood when I take over. The students and staff are fantastic and I am extremely happy to be part of such a fun and welcoming school. “Bring on September for a term of Thriller style madness.”

Katie, who has been a pupil at the Ferndown Stagecoach for 11 years said: “When I started I was really shy and Stagecoach has managed to build me into a more confident person.

“Learning a brand new musical has been really fun and I am looking forward to performing at the Tivoli in Wimborne. Next term I’m really excited about doing the Thriller theme.”

Stagecoach pupil Imogen said: “I have been coming here for seven years and have loved every single moment of it. Doing Pinocchio has been amazing.”

The tickets are £10 for adults and £7.50 for children and all money raised will go to Interact.