THE fairytale Sleeping Beauty has been chosen as a village's first ever pantomime.

It will be staged in a marquee at Meadowfield Leisure centre, near Durham City, on Sunday, December 9, from 2pm to 4pm.

The centre's leisure officer, Ned Tobin, said: "Instead of having to travel through to Darlington or Sunderland for a pantomime, we're offering a fantastic show right on the doorstep for local children to enjoy.

"We can seat 400 and we've already sold 150 tickets.

"It's going to be a smashing Sunday treat for all the family."

Tickets are £3, available from the venue by phoning 0191-378 9888