WELLINGTON Pantomime Group has completed its successful run of Dick Whittington at the Wellesley Theatre, Wellington.

The production, which ended with three shows on Saturday, saw over 2,000 people - young and old -packing into the theatre.

The cast featured newcomers to pantomime principal roles including Christina Green as Bo Bells and Martin Jevon as the scary King Rat.

While Ian Lidell, Jess Meale, Keira Veysey, Geoff Redstone, Rob Keates, Sarah Bradnum, Kevin Stratton and Jan Venables completed the lively principal team, showing what fantastic acting talent is in the Wellington area.

As ever the chorus delighted audiences with wonderful songs, musically directed by Steve Bradnum, and also danced their way to a happy ending.

Director Helen Tidmarsh said: "We were delighted with the audience reaction to this year's panto.

"They joined in the boos and cheers with great enthusiasm at every performance and were saying very nice things to us and about us as they left the theatre at the end of each show. It just goes to show what a team effort can achieve.

"I would like to extend my thanks to all those who contributed to such a splendid show and to the audiences for making it all worthwhile."

Meanwhile, the group's charity for audience donations this year was in aid of SURE which is raising money for the new radiotherapy unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, with about £1,000 being collecte As one show comes to an end, planning for the next one is already beginning. Any prospective cast members or backstage members outside of the Wellington Arts Association can contact producer Sue Kerry on 01823-661048 or SueJKerry@aol.com to register an interest.

More details at www.w-a-a.org DICK WHITTINGTON CAST: King Rat, Martin Jevon; Bo Bells, Christina Green; Alderman Fitzwarren, Ian Liddel; Alice Fitwarren, Keira Veysey; Sarah The Cook, Geoff Redstone; Idle Jack, Rob Keates; Dick Whittington, Jessica Meale; Tommy The Cat, Sarah Bradnum; Sratchitt, Kevin Stratton; Sniffit, Jan Venables; Sultan Of Morocco, Ian Liddel.