AN amateur dramatic group is preparing for the start of its annual charity pantomime in the New Year.

Northallerton Variety Company will kick off Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates on Sunday, January 24 in aid of local charities which in the past have included the Friarage Hospital’s scanner appeal and a hydrotherapy pool at The Dales School.

Northallerton Amateur Variety Company has staged pantomimes with local actors in the town's Forum theatre since the group was formed 1979.

Maureen Willoughby, from the company, said: “We set sail with Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates with matinees at 1pm and 5pm on Sunday, January 24.

“We then perform on Monday 25, Tuesday 26, Thursday 28 and Friday 29 at 7.15pm and on Saturday 30 we stage a matinee at 2.15pm and an evening performance at 7.15pm.

“This is a good family pantomime with all the excitement of a fantasy land and the two favourites - the Dame and her nutty son are back with us again so there will be plenty of laughter.”

Last year's pantomime raised more than £3,000 for local charities and the Variety Company also staged Wartime Memories at The Forum on November 7and raised £2,000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and Help for Heroes.

Tickets for the pantomime, costing from £6 to £9, are available now from The Forum, Northallerton on 01609-776230, at the box office at The Forum or www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk