Pantomime began in Loddon on January 1, 1976, and has grown in popularity over the past 40 years.

And this year, Loddon Players are performing Pinocchio - a story they have never tackled before.

The show is full of comedy and pathos, and sees the return of popular dame Anthony Bunting – back in the role after an absence of five years.

He first joined the panto over 35 years ago in smaller roles, but after the retirement of the first dame Derek Loyd, Mr Bunting decided to step into the frocks.

He formed a partnership with veteran performer Maureen Larkin, who always played his sidekick, with the duo teaming up again this year.

The large cast range in age from eight to 73 years.

The pantomime script was written by Steve Burton, with a few additions and alterations being made over the weeks of rehearsals, and is under the directorship of Simon Peck and Vicky Codling, who has also been in charge of the choreography, with many of her pupils from Funky Feet School of Dance and Performing Arts involved in the show.

Pinocchio is being performed at the Lecture Hall in George Lane, Loddon.

The show will open tonight at 7.30pm, and continue tomorrow and Sunday, January 14 and 15, next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 20, 21 and 22, and the following weekend on January 26, 27 and 28.

Shows take place at 7.30pm each night, with matinee shows at 2.30pm tomorrow and on January 21 and 28.

Tickets cost £7 or £5 for concessions, available from 01508 520162 between 9am and 9pm.

For more details visit www.loddonplayers.com