A special performance in Leek will tell the story of how the Queen's portrait on British postage stamps came to be.

The free Leek performance will be carried out by The Phoenix Singers and Claybody Theatre on two dates - on Saturday 4th June at Trinity Church and on Sunday 5th June at All Saints Church. Both performances will take place at 7pm.

A spokesperson explained the inspiration for the unique performance idea. They said: "In 1964 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat for Staffordshire artist Arnold Machin, as he modelled a clay cameo for British coins and stamps.

"However, Machin only sculpted the Queen's Head, and the Palace decided it needed something extra - shoulders!

"On this 70th Jubilee weekend, the Phoenix Singers and Claybody Theatre bring you the true story behind those famous shoulders in words and music. You'll never look at a stamp in the same way again."

Victoria Brazier, who wrote the performance, said: "It's been a joy to work with Ashley to tell this wonderful story. It's a little slice of untold Potteries history and - as someone who has sung with the Phoenix Singers in Leek and spent a lot of time in and around Stoke-on-Trent I'm really chuffed to have been asked to write it."

Ashley Thompson, who wrote the music, added: "It has been a special treat to write a piece with genuine local interest for both Leek and Stoke and I was thrilled when Victoria was keen to throw herself so fully into the writing of the project.

"Everyone involved cannot wait to bring this piece alive over the Jubilee weekend. Of course, we are all most grateful to the support from the Art's Council's Lets Creat Jubilee Fund, meaning that audiences are welcome to attend the performances free of charge."

If you are interested you can get a ticket from phoenixsingersleek.co.uk or by calling 07871 037940