THEY did their bit for the war effort by donning wellington boots and overalls to take on backbreaking farm work. The plucky girls of the Land Army from all different social classes and walks of life were sent to farms to live rough and work hard to replace the men who had joined the forces.

Now their story is told in the next production at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester - Lilies on the Land from May 19 - 26 (excluding Sunday).

Based on letters and interviews with the original Land Girls this play is a revealing, funny and wonderfully moving portrait of these unsung heroines.

How will these young women, deprived of all basic home comforts, deal not only with the hardships of farming life and the pressures of war, but also with being outsiders in new surroundings? Basic accommodation, ice inside the windows, work clothes full of mice, rough hands, out in all weathers...it all brought about a camaraderie which means that looking back they say they would do it all again.

Director Norma York said: " The Merchant Navy ships which brought in supplies from overseas were at risk of attack by submarines. It was vital that as much food as possible was grown and reared in this country. This play is a fitting tribute to all those women."

For more info or to book tickets, visit: www.chesiltheatre.org.uk.