PANTO stars spread a little festive cheer yesterday when they visited sick children facing Christmas in hospital.

Lisa Riley, who found fame as Emmerdale Farm's Mandy Dingle, joined fellow performers from Darlington Civic Theatre's show, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, to drop in on youngsters in the town's Memorial Hospital.

The cast paid a visit to the children's ward after taking time out from their six-week schedule. The panto is on until Sunday, January 18, with evening and matinee performances.

Tickets are available from the box office on (01325) 486555.

Published: 19/12/2003