THE show will go on for a village youth group despite thieves causing damage to their venue- threatening its biggest annual fund raising event.

Young people from the Fishburn area perform a pantomime each spring to raise money for youth club activities.

But this year’s show was threatened after thieves stole lead from the roof of the club’s base, Fishburn Youth and Community Centre, last September.

The damage caused the ceiling of the main hall to collapse after heavy rain and the centre was closed.

Members of the pantomime group feared they would have to cancel their production of Dick Whittington.

But Durham County Councillors Lucy Hovvels and Peter Brooke worked with officers to organise the hasty repair of the venue.

Youth worker, Carole Mason, said it was a race against time to repair the venue for the show and thanked everyone who made it possible.

Around 30 young people will take part in the production of Dick Whittington, starring Victoria Murrell, 19, in the lead role and Sarah Gibson, 15, as Kitty the Cat.

The show will open at Fishburn Youth and Community Centre, on Butterwick Road, on Friday February 6, 7.30pm, ticket only.

Entry for other dates- Saturday February 7, 2pm, Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Friday 20, Friday 27 and Friday March 6, all 7.30pm- can be paid on the door.

Price £2 adults and £1 for children.