A PRODUCTION of Beauty and the Beast helped boost two charities.

Wayfarers Pantomime Society presented cheques for £751 to the Compass team, who support children with serious illness and their families at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, and Somerset Prostate Support Association.

Society chairman Martin Howe said: "We have a unique opportunity each year to do something for local groups.

“The cast really got behind the collections last year and we were delighted to be able to give so much to each of the nominated charities.”

The Wayfarers are already rehearsing for their panto in January, Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates, with profits going to Taunton Opportunity Group, a pre-school for children with special needs, and St Margaret’s Hospice.