THE curtain is set to rise on a pantomime at Hanley Swan - for the first time in more than 60 years.

The production of Cinderella is the first by Hanley Players since they last took to the stage in 1941.

The re-formed group, made up of residents from Hanley Swan and Hanley Castle, will perform perform the sell-out show at the village hall over three nights, starting on Friday, February 18.

Cast member Val Fare said she and a number of other local people had decided to revive the pantomime as a way of bringing the two villages together. The idea was met with enthusiasm, attracting more than 50 people to the first audition last October.

"It was a matter of trying to pull everybody together, young and old." said Mrs Fare.

"And it's worked. People have really mucked in."

There are 35 cast members, including dancers and singers, as well as behind-the-scenes staff. "It may be just a village pantomime, but by god it's professional," said Mrs Fare.