MONEY from a pantomime will help people from Chernobyl to enjoy a two-week holiday in the North-East next summer.

Cinderella was staged by members of community groups Craft Works and Green Explorers, in Barnard Castle.

The cast has donated £280 which was collected from the audience.

Mary Lowes, president of the two groups, who appeared as Queen Glory in the pantomime, said all the cast were delighted to give a helping hand to some of the Chernobyl families.

Ian Findlay, who helps organise the trips, said: "The people from Chernobyl benefit greatly from their holidays here in the fresh air of Teesdale.

"But they cost a lot of money, and generous donations like this are a wonderful help to us."