LEISURE service mascots Duke and Daisy have been handing out magic seeds to children to promote the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.

For the first time in its history, the Empire Theatre, in Consett, is to stage a professional pantomime, featuring well-known celebrities.

The Derwentside Leisure Services' mascots took time out from their busy holiday programme schedule to help give out the seeds, which can be planted and will grow into a variety of vegetables that can be eaten.

District council marketing manager Sue Fox said: "Duke and Daisy were ideal characters promote the pantomime which has been selling really well over the summer.

"We are expecting even more sales in September when the cast will be visiting the theatre together with Stefan Booth, the ex-Hollyoaks star.

"Booth, who will be playing the lead role of Jack, will also be in The Bill this summer."

Ms Fox said competitions would be run on the panto theme in the district's schools in the new term.

There will be prizes for the best giant goose and golden egg, best mural of a scene from the panto and for the best beanstalk.