YOUNG dancers are in final rehearsals for their latest show after working alongside professional actors in pantomime.

Students from the Heritage School of Dance, Stockton, are preparing to appear in Pinocchio at the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Two teams of eight, many of whom danced in Aladdin at the theatre last year, are rehearsing with the cast from PMA Productions.

The fairytale tells of poor carpenter Gepetto, who longs for a son and creates a wooden puppet which comes to life.

The production, based on the book by Carlo Collodi, includes pop songs, audience participation and comedy routines.

Dance school principal Karen Heritage said: "Our children have worked with the professionals at PMA Productions for a number of years and the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, will always be our first home."

Dancers taking part range from seven to 14 years old.

Miss Heritage said: "A lot of our younger dance students watched the last two pantomimes and were spellbound by the intimate theatre and the proximity of the stage and audience. Now, some of them are old enough to dance with the hardworking team."

Performances take place today and tomorrow at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets, costing £3.50 to £12, £2.50 to £10 for concessions, are available from the theatre box office on 01748-825252.

Ticket holders will be entered into a draw to win a hardback copy of the original Pinocchio story, donated by Castle Hill Books, in Richmond.