Bristol's annual Gang Show is being staged next week – four months later than originally scheduled.

The popular show produced by Avon scouts and leaders was axed by Live Nation, owners of the Bristol Hippodrome, for what were said to be "safety reasons".

The BBC TV comedy act The Might Boosh was booked instead to play the Gang Show's traditional dates last October.

But following talks between scout leaders and Live Nation, it was agreed to slot in six performances, starting on Wednesday, February 18.

A stage cast of 89, supported by a team of back stage volunteers, are now putting the finishing touches to rehearsals.

Chief Scout Peter Duncan said: "I am proud to support the cast and crew of the Gang Show and know from my own experience the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into putting on a showpiece event of this size.

"I also know the tremendous sense of achievement that every one of the young people in the cast will feel each time the curtain closes on another successful show.

"So, come on Bristol why not show your support for what the cast and crew have achieved and come along and join in the fun."

Mr Duncan said it was a fast-moving show full of songs, dance and sketches and is aimed at all the family

Some tickets are still available for the shows which take place during the school holidays from February 18 to 21 with a show every evening plus matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday.

Today the cast will be boarding a double-decker bus, on loan from First, which set off from Sainsbury's at Emersons Green and head into the city centre.

Throughout the journey the youngsters will be handing out flyers and posters advertising the Gang Show.

Despite the recent travel chaos caused by the heavy snowfalls the rehearsals have gone ahead without too much disruption or cancellations.

The organisers are hoping the shows will attract a audience of more than 6,500 over the six performances.

● The performances are: Wednesday, 2.15pm and 7.15pm, Thursday, 7.15pm, Friday, 7.15pm, Saturday, 2.15pm and 7.15pm.

Tickets are £12.50, with discounts for children and senior citizens, and are available from the box office on 302 3333 or www.bristolgangshow.org.uk