A Town centre chaplain will show no mercy when he swaps his robes for a stint on the stage this week.

Philip Brooks will star as Captain Hook in the Radcliffe United Reform Church Junior Players' pantomime, Peter Pan.

Mr Brooks is a ministerial student at the church, and is currently on placement at St Andrew and St George's Church, Bolton.

The show will kick off the start to Peter Pan's 100th birthday year, when it starts on Thursday.

The legendary Pan will be played by Bury drama school student Rachel Price, aged 17.

More than 30 children and four adults will star in the three-night show at Radcliffe Civic Suite.

There are bumbling pirates, brave red Indians, fairies, Wendy and the family, a dog - and even a crocodile.

And, being a pantomime, there is a larger-than-life dame, played by Peter Jones.

Mr Brooks said: "It looks as though this play will be a really good one. The script is impressive and it has been adapted very well.

"The kids have really enjoyed putting the play together. Because there are so many children, we started rehearsals early in September, to give them plenty of time to learn, and it has turned into a real activity for them on a weekly basis.

"It's nice that the play has coincided with the 100th birthday of Peter Pan and its a good story to tell."

It is not the first time Mr Brooks has taken to the stage.

He starred in his first pantomime in 1972 in Miss Goody Two Shoes at the same church.

His wife, Deb Brooks, is the director.

The Junior Players is open to anyone from aged six to 16 and attendance at church is not necessary to take part in the shows.

Call 0161 280 0604 for tickets.

Performances are being held tomorrow and Friday at 7.15pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.