YOUNGSTERS have been busy getting into character as they prepare to bring CS Lewis's epic Chronicles of Narnia to life in memory of a fellow actor who died aged 26.

Jeremy Smith, of Elgar Avenue, Malvern - known affectionately as JJ - collapsed during a gym workout at the Malvern Splash Gymnasium in November last year.

An inquest last month heard he died of a heart attack as the result of an undetected heart defect.

The much-loved Malvern Wells CE Primary School teacher was heavily involved in the local community and was also a member of drama group the Colwall Players.

Now, the Players are busy rehearsing their lines and moves as they prepare to take to the stage next week with CS Lewis's The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader, in his memory.

Its version is directed by Malvern-based Marie-Louise Doherty and features a 30- strong-cast, largely made up of youngsters from Colwall.

Rehearsals have been continuing since early November for the production, due to be staged at Colwall Village Hall from Thursday, February 23 to Saturday, February 25. JJ was due to play one of the lead roles of Prince Caspian in CS Lewis's breathtaking adventure and had taken part in several rehearsals before he died.

The show runs at 7.30pm each night with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are £6/£3 concessions from John Goodwin Estate Agency on 01684 540300.