FOR 87 years Yeadon Amateurs have been hunting out the best in local talent.

The group has poached budding singers in pubs, stage builders at work and wannabe make up artists at home - bringing them all together to perform some of the best known musical shows in the country.

Now as rehearsals are underway for the group’s forthcoming production Made in Dagenham, Director Peyton Martin said TV talent shows such as the X factor were nothing new.

“We have been doing this for years,” he said. “Of course we put on wonderful shows, full of energy, music, dance, but a huge part of the fascination for me is that these people who star in our shows, truly are ordinary, regular people, with busy day jobs.

“They work hard for a living and many do long hours - but on an evening, they come here and belt out these powerful and moving songs.

“It is X factor on a local level.”

Peyton, who has worked in London’s West End, said the Yeadon Amateurs’ cast were all local people who had extraordinary talents.

Made In Dagenham is described as “a powerful, passionate and inspiring story about women fighting for equality and respect at the Ford UK plant in Dagenham.”

A spokesman said: “This gritty, funny and moving story will move everyone to think about themselves, their world and how what they challenge today could influence generations to come.”

The show runs from March 7 to 11. Visit yaods.co.uk or call 07468 107304 for tickets.