HELENSBURGH Orchestral Society is preparing to present a special concert weekend which will include two performances of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf narrated by a well-known actress.

The symphonic fairytale for children will be narrated by the well-known actress Dawn Steele, who is currently appearing on TV in River City.

Dawn will tell the exciting story and introduce children to the instruments of the orchestra. Russian folk-tale characters including Peter, his grandfather, the wolf and other animals are vividly portrayed in melodies played by different instruments.

Dawn said: "I cannot wait to narrate Peter and the Wolf- I have always wanted to do this but have never been asked! Thanks to the Helensburgh Orchestral Society I will have this fantastic opportunity to narrate this classic tale with a full symphony orchestra.

"I'm also personally pleased as my daughter can come to the child friendly afternoon performance on Sunday!"

Members of Helensburgh Orchestral Society are looking forward to the performances and Lesley McDonald, President of the society explained why they decided on Peter and the Wolf.

She said: "I heard Peter and the Wolf on Classic FM, with Joanna Lumley narrating, and thought it was wonderful!

"Dawn is lodging with me while filming for River City, which gave me a great opportunity to ask such a talented actress to become involved.

"We are looking forward to playing such an engaging piece of music, and introducing local children to the joys that orchestral music can bring."

Helensburgh Orchestral Society is an amateur orchestra, founded in the town 59 years ago, which rehearses on Monday evenings in the Victoria Halls. Members are of all ages and abilities and conductor Robert Baxter, who is a professional trumpeter, teacher and conductor, thinks this concert will be a great opportunity to showcase their skills.

He said: "What a colourful and descriptive work Peter and the Wolf is. This is a wonderful opportunity for the orchestra to challenge themselves yet again, and of course, to work with such a great and well-known actress, Dawn Steele."

The concert weekend will take place on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26. The Saturday evening concert at 7.45pm will include Verdi's overture The Force of Destiny, Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Brahms' second symphony.

The Sunday afternoon family concert at 3pm will consist of short pieces, geared for children's enjoyment and will feature Peter and the Wolf as the centrepiece.

Tickets will be on sale around Tuesday, February 21 and will be available from Victoria Halls staff, the Scandinavian shop or members of the orchestra.

Tickets for the Saturday are priced at £10 for adults, £6 for students and accompanied under 12s go free. The Sunday performance costs £20 for a family ticket (two adults and two children), £8 for adults, £6 for students, £3 for additional children.

Spaces are limited so people interested are advised to purchase their tickets early and keep an eye on the Helensburgh Orchestral Society Facebook page for further updates and announcements.