Panto time kicks off again in Sheringham tonight as local council officers stage a fun show raising cash for charity.

The Dick Whittington production by North Norfolk District Council at Sheringham Little Theatre sees officials, and even chairman Gloria Lisher, showing another side of their characters amid the knockabout, singalong action.

It is the third time the authority has staged a panto, and this one will raise funds for the North Norfolk Radio Families First charity and the Soldiers Sailors and Airmen's Families Association, the chosen cause for Mrs Lisher, who plays the Sheik.

Other key roles see Beverley Els from the Wells Tourist Information Centre in the title role, environmental health manager Steve Hems as panto dame Sarah The Cook, retired PA to the chief executive Paul Neale as 'baddy' King Rat, benefits officer Laura Williamson as Tiddles the cat, and communications manager Peter Battrick is Alderman Fitzwarren.

The panto runs from January 27-29 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Tickets are �6 through the box office on 01263 822347.

A charity calendar showing the cast is also supporting the Families First fund. It costs �15 and is available via the website www.lulu.com and search for product number 9813140.