Sir Cliff's boost for cast

One of the country's best-loved stars has sent a Black Country drama society a letter telling them 'Congratulations' for staging the show that made him a star.

Sir Cliff Richard sent a signed picture and letter to members of Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society after hearing they are performing Summer Holiday – the classic 60s movie that catapulted him to stardom.

Music legend Sir Cliff, who has sold more than 250 million records in a career spanning six decades, sent the good luck note ahead of the show which opens at Brierley Hill Civic Hall next Monday.

The note reads: "Very best wishes for your production of Summer Holiday.

"I hope you have as much fun on stage as we did making the movie! Luv, Cliff"

Society member Michael Bradley, who will play the part of Jerry in the show, said everyone in the society was thrilled when they received the lette from Sir Cliff.

"I managed to get hold of it because I used to live next door to a big friend of Cliff's when I lived in Lower Gornal," he said.

"I asked him earlier this year if he could ask Cliff to send us a message ahead of our big show and he said he would see what he could do," he added.

"He phoned Cliff and managed to get hold of him just before he jetted off on earlier after Wimbledon and the next thing we knew he'd sent a picture and letter to my friend and posted it himself.

"It was absolutely smashing to receive it and everyone was thrilled when I told them.

"It's given us a real lift and it should be a fantastic show."

Rehearsals for the show, which features songs such as Bachelor Boy, The Young Ones, Do You Wanna Dance? and Summer Holiday, were beset with difficulties early on.

The leading actress broke her leg – ironically while she was on her summer holiday.

Liz Woodhouse broke her thighbone when she and her fiance, Andy Burgess, were knocked off their moped on the Greek island of Zante at the beginning of July.

Her older sister, and the show's choreographer, Salli Woodhouse agreed to step in and take on the role of Barbara.

The show will be running between November 5 and 10.

And tickets can be purchased by calling the society's box office on 0121 5857380.