MOST employees feel overworked, undervalued, stressed out and in desperate need of a holiday. Apparently, for magical fairies it is no different.

Fairy Stardust, who takes to the stage of the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich, in January, is the embodiment of modern-day living.

Her mobile phone never stops ringing. Helping out Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men is a full-time job and there aren't enough hours in the day. In fact, Fairy has been rushing around panto land in such a hurry she has broken her magic wand and, without it, won't be able to help Robin defeat the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

She is calling on Worcester News readers to help by designing her a new one.

Glynis Smith, director of Babes in the Woods, said: "We would like to give the local children a chance to get creative and design a new, interesting wand to help her cast her spells. Fairy Stardust is a 21st century fairy with a mobile phone and other gadgets to help her keep in touch with all the characters she has to help.

"We wish everyone good luck and look forward to seeing what the children can come up with."

From the winning design a new wand will be made. The designer will win four tickets for the panto's opening night on Thursday, January 11, and the top three designs will be exhibited in the theatre foyer.

The closing date for entries is Thursday, December 21, designers must be under 16-years-old, and wands should be drawn on A4 paper.

Send your design to The Norbury Theatre, Friar Street, Droitwich WR9 8ED.

The show runs until Saturday, January 27. Tickets, priced £8.50, can be bought from the box office 01905 770154.

lauren murray