A NIGHTCLUB is preparing for a New Year's Day charity pantomime after undergoing a refurbishment.

Crocs, in Front Street, Chester-le-Street, has been holding its annual panto on the first day of the year for the past 25 years.

The event features a group of friends dressing up and miming to hit records of the day as well as golden oldies.

The event draws hundreds of people from Chester-le-Street and beyond and has raised between £30,000 and £40,000 in total.

The club is being transformed and is to get a new name - Gravity - but owner Billy Walton says that despite the new look, the club will continue with the New Year's Day tradition.

"It will still be known as the Crocs panto,'' said Mr Walton.

"We are looking forward to the show. We think it will be the biggest yet. We will have a bigger bar and we are hoping to raise more money.''

The venue is due to re-open on Thursday, December 8, and rehearsals for the panto are about to start. It will again be in aid of North-East Children's Cancer Research.

"We give a percentage of the bar takings,'' said Mr Walton.

"Admission is free, but there is a collection bucket. The DJ, Barney, has been providing the entertainment for 25 years and he does the whole day free of charge"

The event will be held from noon to about 9pm. For further details, call Mr Walton on 07860 525254.