EIGHTY students and school staff have added the finishing touches to their Christmas pantomime.

Students from Belmont School Community Arts College, in Durham, have been rehearsing Sleeping Beauty since September.

Performances will run every evening from today until Friday, with a matinee at 1.15pm today for parish pensioners.

The script has been written by producer Jane Cooper, with characters including Spice Girl fairies, pandas, and the royal couple King Rumbletum and Queen Gigglebelly.

Students from years seven to 11 have been involved in costume and make-up design, sound and lighting, and set construction, as well as acting.

There is also a student band providing a rock and pop soundtrack.

Mrs Cooper said: "Some very, very talented students have worked very hard and they deserve the credit once they've performed as well as they do."

She added: "Drama can boost every student's confidence, and also improve their communication and team working skills, whether or not they decide to go into theatre later in life."

Tickets cost £3.50 and £2.50 concessions. For more details, contact the school on 0191-386-5715.