A STAGE company paraded its latest recruit yesterday - a donkey.

The animal, from Clarence Community Farm, near Billingham, is starring along with youngsters from across the region in Cleveland Theatre School's pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Clearly not camera-shy, the animal was happy to pose for photographers at a dress rehearsal for the play yesterday.

The school, based in Billingham Synthonia Club, Bellasis Avenue, Billingham, has been running for 12 years and claims to be the biggest of its kind in the region.

A spokesman promised the show would be "high octane, visually stunning and bursting with technical expertise and talent".

The pantomime runs from tomorrow to Friday. For tickets, call (01642) 363334.