THE cast of a theatre's pantomime gathered for the first time yesterday to start rehearsals.

The opening of Cinderella, at Darlington Civic Theatre, is next Wednesday night, and the show runs until Sunday, January 21.

While many of the stars met at a Press launch earlier this year, Australian soap star Ray Meagher was unable to attend.

But now Ray, better known as Alf Stewart in Home and Away, has joined up with Stu Francis (Buttons), Kelly Morris (Cinderella) and a host of others, including North-East favourite Ward Allan and Roger the Dog.

For full details, telephone the box office on (01325) 486555