The curtain is set to go up on a Babes in the Woods charity pantomime at North Walsham – by a drama group now in its teens.

The production by the North Walsham Players is at the Community Centre on New Road on Friday February 28 at 7.30m and Sunday March 2 at 2.30pm.

Director Colin Jeary said it saw the Babes (David Hudson and Danielle Owen) kidnapped by the 'baddie' Sheriff of Nottingham (Philip Stone).

But they are found in the wood by Robin Hood (Julie Britten) and Maid Marion (Andrea Hudson – mum of one of the babes).

And they all live happily after following some comedy and songs from the shows from the 26-strong cast.

Other key roles include local singer Neville Rowe as The King.

The players were created by Mr Jeary (who plays knockabout comedy character Muffins) and Edna Stone (who takes the usual Dame role).

He said: 'We do all the shows for charity. It is a bit of fun and tries to give a confidence boost to people who have not appeared on stage before.'

The group began doing a one-off Hallowe'en show for the local hospital physiotherapy unit, said cabinetmaker Mr Jeary, 33, who began his involvement when he was 18 as a spin-off from the drama he did at school.

It now does two productions a year, a panto and variety show.

The Players have raised more the £2,500 for a variety of good causes since they began.

This year the panto is supporting the East Coast Truckers children's charity.

Tickets for the shows, available on the door, are £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.