FOR the fifth year running, Worcester's Manor Park Evangelical Church is to hold its Christmas panto workshop.

The event at Manor Park Special School, off Turnpike Close, St John's, sees an entire play being rehearsed and costumes and scenery made in the morning, before the performance in the afternoon.

This year's Christmas Cracker Pantomime production is Sinbad and the Cross of Christmas Island.

A BBC television director will be on hand to coach the children in their drama workshop and performance and a team of artists, face painters and helpers will work with the children designing costumes and stage scenery.

The pantomime has been written especially for the event and features the characters including Sinbad, Ali Baba, Mustafa Scoundrel and a Genie. The story follows their quest for a fabled treasure hidden on a desert island.

Event co-ordinator Tina Lovell said: "This is just one example of how Manor Park Evangelical Church is at work in the community of St John's, offering practical help for parents at this very busy time of year."

Limited places may still available for children between the school ages of Reception to Year 6. It takes place on Saturday, December 3, with workshops beginning at 10am and the performance at 1pm. To register for the workshop call Maggie Holloway on 01905 423108.