A GIRL of six saved the day when a dwarf fell ill during a star-studded pantomime.

Dayna Nichols, of Chester-le-Street, stepped in for Jolly and Wheezey, in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle.

Her co-stars were the stars of films such as Harry Potter, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Star Wars, as well as television's Leslie Joseph as Snow White

Fellow Marron Stage School pupil Emilie Brommell, ten, of Newcastle, originally tried the role but producers were looking for a shorter dwarf.

Talented Dayna fitted the bill and did nine performances.

Proud mum Helen said: "She was absolutely fantastic. They couldn't believe it because she is so young.

"The manager said she had a real star quality and thinks she will end up going places.

"She is a natural and seemed to really enjoy being on the stage."

The show is running until Saturday but now features the original line up of dwarves.

Peter Sarah, chief executive of Theatre Royal Newcastle, said: "We are extremely proud of Emilie and Dayna and they certainly proved what fantastic actresses and dancers they both are.

"The Theatre Royal has enjoyed its most successful panto to date and we certainly couldn't have done it without them. We wish them every success in the future."