PERFORMERS at an amateur dramatics group are asking the public for help as they work to support a young local celebrity living with life altering medical conditions.

Pretty much everyone in Mapplewell has crossed paths with Louie George, who over the past three years has built a following as family share his journey of living with the devastating movement disorder cerebral palsy - which causes weak muscles, tremors and sees Louie spend much of his time in a wheelchair.

His online journey has garnered much support, with the eight-year-old appearing on popular CBeebies show Mr Tumble in 2023 and recently meeting with British and Commonwealth boxing champion Callum Simpson ahead of his title defence two weeks ago.

Now, at an upcoming pantomime version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears at St John’s Church in Staincross, members of the St John’s on Stage group will be hosting a ‘teddy tombola’ to raise funds that can support Louie - and are asking for teddy bear donations performances of the events on February 15, 21 and 22.

Member Carrie Clark told the Chronicle: “With all of our shows we look to do something to help a local charity.

“Louie is really renowned in the area, he features at the Christmas light switch-on and is very well known.

“We’ve already got some teddies but we need a lot more - in total we’ll need about 500.

“I know it’s wishful thinking but I’m hoping people can come and help us out.”

Anyone interested in helping can get in touch via the St John’s on Stage Facebook or Instagram page.