CHRISTMAS will arrive early for the children of Derwent-side this year.

Two Christmas-type shows, both performed by the Theatre First company, from Southampton, will be staged at Stanley Civic Hall during the October school half-term holiday.

The shows are Bill's New Frock, which is for five to 11-year-olds, and The Butterfly Lion, which is for eight to 14-year-olds.

They will be performed respectively during the morning and afternoon, respectively, of Wednesday, October 24.

For further information, or a free What's On guide, call (01207) 218014