THEY say there is life in those old bones – and these ones are certainly looking forward to a bright and lively future.For they are the Suffolk-based dance troupe the acclaimed Skeleton Crew and are set to make two national TV appearances over the next two days.

THEY say there is life in those old bones - and these ones are certainly looking forward to a bright and lively future.

For they are the Suffolk-based dance troupe the acclaimed Skeleton Crew and are set to make two national TV appearances over the next two days.

Today the group were due to be on children's favourite Blue Peter on BBC1 and tomorrow they are scheduled to appear on the hit show Dick and Dom in the Bungalow, also on the Beeb.

It's been a fantastic year for the group following their performance in front of prime minister Tony Blair and Irish PM Bertie Ahern at the Esat BT Young Scientist of the Year awards in Dublin.

They have also been working in schools as part of initiatives to tackle issues facing young people - including bullying and racism.

The troupe is run by Felixstowe-based Scream Promotions and is hoping next year to release its first single Larger Than Life.

Nigel Dixon, of Scream Promotions, said the group were very excited about appearing on the flagship children's programme Blue Peter, and making a return visit to Dick and Dom's bungalow.

"We will be performing a song on each of the shows - Dick and Dom have a Hallowe'en theme, which makes a set of skeletons very appropriate guests - and really looking forward to it," he said.

"Our schedule this year has been very busy indeed, and we have just been recording a video to go with our songs.

"TV is very exciting work, and on Dock and Dom we will be performing live."

For the two appearances two of the skeletons called Dun and Dusted team up with another called Skin - the skeleton world's most chilled rock guitarist - to form The Skeleton Crew and sing.

The team also features a sharp-looking pair of skeleton body guards called the Knuckle Brothers, X-ray Ted, a rock and current affairs news reporter, and Professor De Karcuss who is always trying to breathe new life into old things.

Roger Pewtress, of the skeleton production crew, said although the troupe might look a bit spooky and sinister its aim and message to children was the opposite.

"Our message is that we should all be kind and help each other in this life as we are all related. We may all look and sound very different on the outside, but underneath we are all the same," he said.

n What do you think of the Skeleton Crew? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

WEBLINKS: www.dunanddusted.net

www.screampromotions.com