Hundreds of Scouts and Guides are making final preparations for this year's Gang Show.

The all-singing, all-dancing spectacular, which is backed by the Oxford Mail, will be put on at the New Theatre, in George Street, Oxford, from March 10 to 15.

The show has a cast of 190 current and former Scouts and Guides, aged from eight to over 60, with backstage support from hundreds more.

This year, there will be 14 different cabaret numbers, ranging across the performing arts.

Director Kim Griffiths said one of the most exciting pieces this year would be a performance of spectacular gospel song Joyful, Joyful - made famous in the film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit - which will feature 90 people on stage at the same time.

She said: "Everybody is very excited and about ready to do it. This Sunday is our last proper rehearsal of individual items, after that it's run-throughs of the whole show and they are ready to put it all together.

"They are excited and nervous because there are only three weeks left."

Last year was Miss Griffiths's first time in the director's seat and she said she was less nervous with the 2007 show under her belt.

She said: "I think this show will be equally as good if not better. We've got a great variety of items and everyone is really enthusiastic. I think we're in for a cracking show.

"It's two and a half hours of entertainment and I guarantee there's something there for every member of the family to enjoy, whether it be singing, dancing, acting or comedy."

Tickets for the shows are selling well but there are still some available on each night.

They cost between £4 and £10, and can be bought from the gang show's website, www.oxfordgangshow.org, or from the New Theatre box office or by calling 0844 8471585.