PANTO stars have presented a cheque for almost £1,000 of audience members’ donations to a hospice.

The cast of Sleeping Beauty, which runs at Darlington Civic Theatre until Sunday (January 20) met staff and patients at St Teresa’s Hospice yesterday (Wednesday, January 16).

The money was generously donated by panto-goers at the end of four performances during the show’s run.

Cast members including husband and wife team Linda Lusardia and Same Kane, as well as former Pop Idol contestant Zoe Birkett, handed the cheque to hospice managing director Jane Bradshaw.

They were also given a tour of the hospice and spent time chatting to some of the day patients.

For panto tickets, call 01325-486555 or visit darlingtonarts.co.uk