BALLET dancers will give a new dimension to this year's production of the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk by a North-East town's theatre group.

A 15-strong troupe from the Elvet Ballet School, based in Crook and Durham City, will perform a fantasy sequence during the panto, which opens at the Civic Hall, Crook, next week.

Director Bernard Lally, a founder member of the Glenholme Theatre Club, which is staging the production, described it as "very innovative and exciting".

The ballet performance was "something rather special", he said.

Although he has directed many plays for the theatre club, it is the first time that Mr Lally has been responsible for the town's annual panto.

"There is a very strong tradition of pantomime in Crook going back 15 years," he said. "I am sure this year's show will carry on that tradition."

Jack and the Beanstalk will be staged on Tuesday, December 5, and the following Thursday and Friday, at 7pm.

On the Saturday and Sunday there are matinees, at 2pm