Strategic Team Group, the construction firm behind the £3 million transformation of Hebden Bridge's Grade II listed town hall, is to support Calder Valley Youth Theatre by sponsoring the costumes for the group's latest production, Sweet Charity, which will be performed at Halifax Playhouse from the 16th to 19th November.

The youth theatre group, based in Hebden Bridge, is run by volunteers and is for members aged between eight and 18 years. Each year the group produces a main show, funded by ticket and programme sales, donations and grants. The group previously rehearsed and ran fundraising events in The Old Library building, which has been demolished to make way for the Town Hall extension project, which is currently being carried out by Strategic Team Group. Once complete, the theatre group will be based in the new building, to be known as The Creative Quarter.

Strategic Team Group is funding the costumes for the group's latest show, Sweet Charity, which is known for its big musical numbers, Hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me now and The Rhythm of Life. Set in New York in the 1960's, the show tracks the fortunes and misfortunes of a young ballroom hostess called Charity, who tries to better herself to escape her downtown lifestyle. The role of Charity was made famous by Shirley Maclaine, who appeared in the film of the show alongside Sammy Davis Junior, as the leader of the Rhythm of Life church. The youth theatre group's Charity, is being played by 16 year old, Calder High School pupil, Otti Gauvain.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Strategic Team Group's business development director, Charles Tweed said:

"So many performing arts companies must rely on ancillary support in addition to box office sales. We are delighted to be sponsoring Calder Valley Youth Theatre, which benefits so many young people in the area, providing them with unforgettable experiences, skills and disciplines they can use in later life. We wish the group every success for their next performance."

Stephen Garrod, Calder Valley Youth Theatre volunteer added:

"Strategic Team Group's sponsorship is a great help this year. So much work goes into each element of our musical productions especially in sourcing and making costumes. This year, we are really hoping to capture the look of the '60's! We look forward to moving into the new building and we are sure the temporary disruption will be well worth while. We are grateful to Strategic Team Group for making the transition that bit easier."

Strategic Team Group is currently building a new extension and carrying out refurbishment and re-adaptation works to the Grade II listed Hebden Bridge Town Hall, giving the Yorkshire town a new community and enterprise facility, as well as opening up the river Hebden waterfront for a new public square.