CHIPPENHAM NEWS: THE golden years of an amateur singing and dance troupe are being celebrated in a new book.

The Starlettes performed to thousands of people at the Theatre Royal Bath and the Neeld Hall, Chippenham between 1954 and 1979.

Hundreds of children and parents took part in the ensemble and many are set to meet at a reunion in Chippenham.

A book, Starlettes Remembered, compiled by producer, choreographer and performer Betty Hooper was launched at the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre on Tuesday night.

Mrs Hooper said: "We were just like a big family. When we would do a show we worked so hard together and went through everything together including the first night nerves and the elation when everything went right.

"My most memorable mom-ent in the book was our first ever opening night in Bath. The last few seconds were like an eternity and as soon as the curtain went up the rest of the evening was wonderful."

The Starlettes performed their last show in 1979 and some members left to form the Hi-Lights who still perform in the town. The reunion to celebrate 50 years will be held at the Neeld Hall tonight.

Mrs Hooper said: "There is nothing planned it is only a buffet and chat. But anything could happen, we could have a dance routine, that's what the Starlettes are like."

Starlettes Remembered is on sale at Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre.