FORMER Pop Idol Aaron Bailey will join the cast of a North-East pantomime this Christmas.

The train driver-turned-celebrity, from Newcastle, will play the role of Prince Aaron of Danilo in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, at the Sunderland Empire, from December 13 to January 12.

The rest of the cast has still to be announced, but the show, by Jim Davidson's Midas Theatrical Productions, has already taken £200,000 in advanced bookings - a box office record for any Empire pantomime.

It follows the success of Peter Pan by the same company last year, which The Northern Echo voted Best Panto in the North-East.

Mr Bailey, who studied performing arts at Newcastle College, will sing, dance and act in the show, which blends Disney songs with contemporary music.

Tickets are available from the box office on 0191-514 2517.