AN AMATEUR theatre group are preparing for their annual Christmas pantomime.

The John Peel Theatre, based on Wigton’s Station Road, has turned their attention to one of the best loved Christmas stories of all time - Scrooge the Panto.

The show, which will run from December 9th to December 14th, comes at the perfect time as the theatre has just undergone recent refurbishments.

Over the past couple of weeks work has been taking place to refurbish the seats as well as relaying the floor.

Connie Jensen, chairwoman of the group, said: “All mental work on the seats has been cleaned and repainted gold - its original colour.

“The wooden backs, which has been covered by blue painted hardboard have been stripped and repolished.

“They show the scars of age, but as they are probably over 100-years-old, we can forgive that. The upholstery is now a rich red velvet again, their original colour.”

The amateur acting group has promised all your favourite panto ingredients will be included in the classic tale - with an unexpected twist or two.

The show will run every night at 7pm between December 9 and 14, with a matinee show on December 14 and 15.

Tickets are £8 from Easton’s in Wigton.