A SPECIAL family day in the grounds of a hall near Shipston is raising money for a local charity this Sunday.

Playbox Theatre Company, the Warwick-based children's theatre group, is staging its successful version of Hans Christian Andersen's famous tale, The Emperor and the Nightingale, in the grounds of Admington Hall, between Quinton and Ilmington.

The performance is at 2pm and will be followed by fun and activities until 6pm, raising money for the Shipston Home Nursing charity.

The show is particularly aimed at youngsters aged three to ten and is being put on by Playbox's Jinx Division, which is made up of adult actors creating work for children.

Some members of the cast spent time in Japan performing and studying traditional Kabuki theatre and have brought their skills home to use in the production, which also boasts acrobatics, flag manipulation, dance, movement, storytelling and song.

Spokeswoman Judith Cheston said: "It will perfectly compliment the unusual setting of the grounds of Admington Hall, which have been kindly lent to Shipston Home Nursing by Mr and Mrs Mark Davies.

"This will be the ideal way for the whole family to enjoy a Sunday in the park."

Visitors can take along their own picnic tea or there will be refreshments to buy and those who want to join in the Eastern theme with oriental costume can take part in a special prize draw.

Tickets are £5 each, only available in advance, by calling 01608 674929.