A play about the First World War will be performed at Old Pool Bank Village Hall next month.

Touring theatre group the Jay Walkers are presenting Not About Heroes to commemorate the centenary of the start of the war.

The actors have chosen venues which are also war memorials and their programme will commemorate the names of villagers who died in the war.

The play, written by Stephen MacDonald, portrays the wartime meeting between Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen while they were both in hospital suffering from shell shock.

Sassoon nurtured the writing talents of the young Owen, who went on to become the greatest of Britain’s war poets.

A spokesman for Jay Walkers said: “This piece of theatre is based upon their friendship. It is warm and funny, poignant and moving.

“Two real men come alive before our eyes and we are able to share their humour, their frustration, their fear and their bravery.

“You will be moved and amused in equal measure – the best kind of theatre!”

The poets are played by Keighley man Matthew Gardner, who has performed with both Keighley Playhouse and Keighley Amateurs, and experienced Skipton actor David Nicholson.

The play is directed by Jamesine Cundell-Walker, who has helmed the annual Keighley Amateurs musical for the past five years.

Not About Heroes will be performed at 7.30pm at Old Pool Bank Village Hall (May 2), Kettlewell Village Hall (May 3), Riddlesden Memorial Institute (May 9) and Cononley Village Institute (May 10).

Half the door takings will go to the upkeep of the halls, and a raffle will raise funds for the British Legion and Help for Heroes.

Tickets cost £7. Call (01756) 760302 or visit thejaywalkers.co.uk.