LITTLE Red Riding Hood will be making an appearance for youngsters in Teesdale and Weardale this Christmas.

The fairytale character will be starring in a pantomime at venues across Teesdale and Weardale during the festive season.

Milky Way Magic Stars are sponsoring the pantomime's tour of the dales. The first performance will take place on Sunday, at the Glaxo-Wellcome Sports and Social Club, in Barnard Castle.

The play is based on the classic fairytale, and is designed to teach children not to go out alone. Each performance will feature posters to promote the safety message.

Kay Nicholls, of Milky Way Magic Stars, said it was important that children were aware of the dangers of going out alone.

Red Riding Hood will also be performed at the Spectrum Leisure Centre, in Bishop Auckland, on December 6, and Mickleton Village Hall, on December 21