CAST members of a community theatre group hope to raise cash for a York and Selby charity through their latest show.

York Rising Stars, based at the Railway Institute, is staging Terry Pratchett’s Mort, a play by Stephen Briggs over Halloween.

Pratchett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s last year, and the group has pledged 20p from each programme sale to the Alzheimer’s Society York and Selby branch. They also held a raffle in summer in aid of the cause.

In a bid to raise awareness of their efforts, a towering Grim Reaper a key character in the show – has been parading around York.

Jeanette Linsey, producer, said Mort is a young boy whose dad tires of him and wants to send him away.

“Death comes looking for an apprentice so Mort goes to learn how to reap souls but messes it up. “We are also trying to raise awareness for the charity which it is one that is less noticed because people don’t want to think about what they see as an old person's disease. They don't want to think about getting old and forgetful.”

Mort runs from October 31 to November 1.

Tickets, costing £5, are from charlotte@yorkrisingstars.co.uk or on 01904 623222.