IT may be almost spring but pantomime time is arriving in a former pit village.

Witton Gilbert Drama Group is staging its own version of The Sleeping Beauty, at Fyndoune Community College, Sacriston, during this week's half-term holiday.

"It's a modern version but it is not too far away from the original theme," said group spokesman Stephen Green.

"We are not able to use the school over Christmas so it is always the half-term holiday that we stage it.''

The production has a cast of 20 including Stephen as The Dame, Kylie Waugh as Sleeping Beauty and Linda Tosney as The Prince.

It will be performed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm and on Saturday at 2pm.

Tickets cost £3 for adults, £2 for children, and are available on the door.