A PANTO star has kick-started her New Year exercise regime at a gym set to close for refurbishment.

Zoe Birkett, who is playing Princess Beauty in Sleeping Beauty, at Darlington Civic Theatre, enjoyed a work out in the Pulse Suite at the town’s Dolphin Centre.

The former Pop Idol runner-up is aiming to stay fit for the last few shows of the pantomime, which runs until Sunday, January 20.

It has been receiving rave reviews from audiences and critics.

The Pulse Suite will be closed between February 4 and March 4, with a temporary gymnasium to be set up elsewhere in the centre.

To book tickets for the pantomime, call 01325-486555 or visit darlingtonarts.co.uk