A LOCAL acting group is set to explore Peebles' history of witch trials.

Acting Up, an acting classes for over 50s, is extending its age range to over 14s as part of its latest project.

Inspired by Borders-based author Mary Craig's book, Borders Witchcraft, the class will use chapter three, Peebles, 1629, to explore Peebles' history of witch trials.

Clare Prenton, writer and director of Acting Up will create scenes around the story of the 27 women and men from Peeblesshire who were executed in 1629 after being accused of witchcraft.

She said: "This is an intergenerational project and open to all ages 14+ as men, women and children were accused of witchcraft, we thought we would open up opportunities for those 14+."

Clare had met Ms Craig and Elisa Smith who both worked to install a memorial for Peeblesshire's witch trial victims at Tweed Green last year.

She added: "The granite memorial stone is engraved with the names of 27 local women and men from across Peeblesshire who were brutally killed in 1629 and our cast of actors will play some of these local people.

"It’s [the course] an initial chance to explore these stories and see how we can honour them through the theatre medium.

"I founded Let’s Pretend acting classes for 3-5s in 2011 (which still runs at the Eastgate with Jess Johnson), so some of those actors will now be old enough to join this project!"

The drama workshops will take place in the Anne Younger Studio at the Eastgate Theatre on Saturdays, 3.30pm-5pm, from January 14-March 26.

On Sunday, March 26 the actors will take part in an informal scene sharing event.

The 'Rope and Flame' workshops are £10 per week or £100 for the course, which includes the final presentation day.

For more information, and to book a place on the course, contact the Eastgate Theatre at www.eastgatearts.com or on 01721 725 777