A VILLAGE pantomime has had to be cancelled after several cast members tested positive for Covid-19.

Jack and The Beanstalk was due to be performed at Hurworth Village Hall, near Darlington, on January 8 but organisers have announced “with great regret” that it can no longer go ahead.

Bill Drumm, booking secretary for The Village Hall Committee, said it had been a difficult decision.

He added: “All ticket money will be refunded in the coming days. The Village Hall Committee thanks you for your understanding and support. We can guarantee to have something for all ages to enjoy in 2022, so we hope to see you again soon.”

The show – described as a “Giant of a pantomime” – was due to be presented by Rural Arts, in partnership with TaleGate Theatre Productions.

It would have been the first time in many years that a pantomime had been staged at The Village Hall.

Rural Arts is due to stage The Sleep Pirates at Hurworth Village Hall on February 26. A magical play about swashbuckling pirates, it is designed for primary and pre-school children.

For more information about events and activities at Hurworth Village Hall, go to: www.hurworthvillagehall.org.uk