THREE charities benefited from the staging of a play by a drama group.

The Teesdale Players, based in Cotherstone, near Barnard Castle, performed Goldilock and the Three Bears in November last year.

At the players' annual general meeting, members were told Cancer Research, Cherbobyl Children's Lifeline and Teesdale Visually Handicapped Club all benefited from the production.

Treasurer Marie Kettlewell said that while ticket sales for the 2012 production were higher than 2011, with sell out performances on two nights, profits were limited due to additional sound and lighting expenditure plus a large cast requiring props and costumes.

However, Cancer Research UK (Teesdale) raised money by providing refreshments and a raffle at every show. In addition, local businessed helped cover the cost of a programme, with donations again going to Cancer Research.

Revenue from the Saturday matinee was donated to Chernobyl Children's Lifeline to help the charity continue its work in Teesdale.

It was also decided that remaining profits would be donated to Teesdale Visually Handicapped club, supported by players' director Beryl Johnson who lost her battle with cancer last year.

At the AGM, all serving officers were re-elected unopposed for a further term and discussions took place about the 2013 production which is likely to be a panto-style family comedy.