A PLAY with a difference is taking place in North Tawton over the next three days, involving the Exstream Theatre Company and 36 people from the local community.

'The Living at Hurford' is a play about farming life and the issues that are affecting many farmers and their families and communities in the South West.

Commissioned by the newly formed Arts Initiative Group of Devon, it has been written by university lecturer John Somers and is based on research and consultation with Devon's farming community.

The final product is an interactive performance, that links scenes in the present performed by professional actors with scenes from the past which use performers from North Tawton.

Co-director of the play Carly Mays said: 'This project is very exciting for us as a theatre company, because the format is an unusual one for a community production.

'The performance space itself - the barn - is a challenging place to work with and the people of North Tawton have been very welcoming.

'The process of research and working with the farming community has been particularly educational and I feel I have gained a greater understanding of the hardships - and the joys - of rural life.'

Local residents have also been instrumental in putting together the stage at the barn on Langmead Farm, North Tawton.

An exhibition by artist Andrea Foxwell will provide a unique backdrop to the play, which will be performed tonight (Thursday), tomorrow and Saturday.

Even the local girl guides group have been helping to deliver leaflets.

The final performance on Saturday night will be followed by a Ceilidh by the Hillhead Hoolies four-piece band, with a bar provided by the Railway Inn.

Tickets, priced at £4 or £6 for a family ticket, are available from North Tawton Post Office.