IT is a case of like father like son when it comes to the Millard family.

While many productions in Farnworth Little Theatre's 53-year history have featured members of the same family, Geoff and son Chris Millard, are about to set a record unlikely ever to be beaten.

The pair are appearing in their third consecutive production on stage together.

In April, both were cast in Jim Cartwright's play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, Chris as the boyfriend, Billy, and Geoff as nightclub owner, Mr Boo.

They were together again in the June production of Witness for the Prosecution, Chris as murder suspect Leonard Vole and Geoff as his solicitor.

Now, they are rehearsing for the farce Cash on Delivery which opens FLT's new season on September 8.

In the play, the pair conspire together to cheat the social services. Geoff has been involved in the theatre for most of his adult life. He was a founder member of Peel Amateur Dramatic Society in Little Hulton before first appearing on stage at FLT in 1974 in St Joan.

As well as appearing in more than two dozen productions he has served the theatre as chairman and, in recent years, has organised numerous fund-raising activities to help pay for the improvement and purchase of the premises.

Son Chris first visited Farnworth in 1996 to watch his father in Confusions -- and was hooked. His first appearance on stage came the following year, and in September he will have appeared in 10 productions.

As well as spending time as stage manager, Chris has been chairman of the publicity committee and produces the theatre's posters and programmes.

Cash on Delivery runs for a week. Tickets from 303808.