IT WAS all smiles as a cast of budding actors met for the first time ahead of starring in a Christmas production.

The 45 children, from a number of schools, have been selected to perform in Didcot Cornerstone's The Pied Piper this festive season.

Alongside a professional team, the lucky young performers, aged eight to 16, came through some tough competition to secure their places in the show.

They will perform in groups of 15, rotating shows through a busy schedule.

Last week the actors were put through their paces and and got acquainted in groups as rehearsals began.

The show begins 100 years after the infamous visit of the Pied Piper to the village of Hamlin.

It follows the story of Peta, the Mayor’s daughter, who starts noticing strange things happening and decides to investigate.

Tickets are already on sale and audiences who book before the end of September can get at 10 per cent discount.