A CHESTER youth theatre group whose patron is actor Tom Hughes is celebrating its 30th birthday.

The Theatre in the Quarter's Jigsaw group for children was set up in 1991, with Tom Hughes becoming its patron in 2015.

Tom Hughes, whose roles have included Prince Albert in ITV's flagship royal drama Victoria, was a member of the youth theatre in the late 1990s.

Jigsaw was set up and initially run by Veronica Bennetts, with Chester composer Matt Baker joining in 1992, and staying with the group ever since. The group originally met up at The Grange in Ellesmere Port before relocating to Chester in 1996.

Matt, who is artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter, has been overseeing the young members' work on writing a new song to mark the occasion. They will then be filmed singing the song, which will be sent to Veronica Bennetts, who now lives in London.

Matt Baker said that the group, which is for children aged seven to 12, wished to thank all those who had been involved over the past 30 years, including Richard Wolfenden-Brown

He said: "Children have been attending the Jigsaw group for the past 30 years and many have gone on to become actors, including our patrol Tom Hughes.

"Jigsaw enables us to capitalise on the children's creativity, whatever their ability.

"We've also had some significant leaders during the past 30 years, including Gavin Cross, Elaine Watts, Mike Beigel and Will Wood.

"Now it is run by myself and Cariad Morgan, along with Millie Stevenson and Erin Elston, and also the very special ingredient at Jigsaw who is our children's officer Julie Elston. She has been with us for the whole 30 years."

Matt added: "We are just embarking on a new exciting play based on the Yule Lads of Iceland, who are cheeky little trolls who cause mayhem and mischief.

"We welcome newcomers. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact us via enquiries@theatreinthequarter.co.uk."