POLDEN Musical Youth Productions were in consternation as rehearsals continued for their production of the musical ‘Annie’ without one important cast member.

With only six weeks to go and then five, director Jo Turley had bitten her fingers to the bone in her search for ‘Sandy’, an adorable dog crucial to the plot.

There had been many auditions when Fido entered the stage and immediately leapt into the audience seats.

Bob took a position centre stage, and howled and barked until he was removed.

Flossie became all too friendly with the children, knocking them over and licking their faces, and you don’t want to know how Bandit disgraced himself!

Then, out of the blue, a complete amateur, Milo, a labradoodle from Worle, wandered into Edington village hall and on to the stage. He instinctively knew stage right from left, took direction like a trooper and melted everyone’s heart with his soulful eyes.

Immediately, rehearsals picked up and ‘Annie’ looks set to be a smash hit when it opens on Wednesday, February 18, running until February 21 at 7.30pm in Edington village hall.

Tickets are available at the box office, Edington village hall, priced £8.50/£6.

Book early if you want to see Milo in action, along with host of talented Polden youths acting, singing and dancing in this warmest of family shows.