A new play which tells the story of the rise of women's football during WWI is set to premier next year across the North East. 

Playwrite Ed Waugh explains: "Wor Bella is the incredible story of the heroic WW1 women who moved into the industrial workplace when the men were slaughtered on  the death fields of France and Belgium in from 1916.

 "Men's professional football was banned in 1915, so in order to raise money for the injured soldiers (and widows and orphans), women started playing football. Despite working a 60-hour week in hard, dangerous conditions, top teams and players emerged.

 "Matches were attended by thousands, often around 5,000 people. Some attracted 10,000 and more. The quality of football got better and  better. Matches were played at St James Park, Roker Park, Ayresome Park, Feethams and Victoria Park as well as local grounds.

"Wor Bella is the deeply emotional but funny and inspirational story of these selfless munitionettes who not only saved the war effort on the home front but also entertained and raised lots of money for wartime charities.

 "Sadly, after WW1 not a single plaque or war memorial was dedicate to these munitionette heroines. They have almost been erased from history...until now!"

For more information and tour dates, go to https://www.worbella.co.uk/