STARS of a North-East pantomime enjoyed a cheeky tipple created by the show's sponsor.

Real-life brothers Paul and Barry Elliott, familiar to millions as the Chuckle Brothers, are starring in The Chuckles of Oz at Darlington Civic Theatre.

The show is sponsored by boutique hotel Houndgate Townhouse, whose head barman Jake Stone has created a cocktail to tie-in with the pantomime.

Known as Ruby Slipper, the cocktail will be available to hotel customers throughout the panto's run, which continues until Sunday, January 11.

The Chuckle Brothers paid a visit to the hotel, with the rest of the cast, during a break from rehearsals, taking the chance to relax and sample the new cocktail.

The cocktail includes the blackcurrant liquer creme de cassis, peach schnapps and white gin, finished with an egg white foam.

Accounts manager Victoria McGuigan said: "Houndgate Townhouse is proud to sponsor this year’s pantomime, supporting culture in Darlington

"To celebrate this partnership we have designed a signature cocktail, the Ruby Slipper. We also offer Pre-theatre dining experiences."

The Chuckles are enjoying their second successive Darlington panto, following the success of Aladdin last year.

They star alongside Phil Corbitt (Cowardly Lion), Danny Potts (Tin Man) and local girl Beth Stobbart as Glinda the Good Witch.

Joining them are Adam C Booth as the Scarecrow, Lauren Varnham as Dorothy, and Emma Francis as the Wicked Witch.

As well as all the comedy and spectacular special effects you would expect from a large-scale pantomime, the The Chuckles of Oz also features some magical 3D sequences seen using special glasses, which brings the action right out into the auditorium

So hold on to your hats for a whirlwind of fun and surprises at Darlington Civic Theatre this Christmas!

Tickets start from £18 and are available by calling 01325-486555 or visiting darlingtoncivic.co.uk