TICKETS sales for Bolton's latest pantomime Cinderella were up on last year, the show's bosses said.

A total of 28,693 tickets were bought for the show at the Albert Halls — 4 percent more than last year when sales were 27,593 for Jack and the Beanstalk.

Cinderella starred international singer Aston Dobson, a member of the Twelve Tenors, as Prince Karl; popular Bolton entertainer Stu Francis, from television's Crackerjack fame; Lucia Matisse in the title role and Rob and Darren Harper — sons of Cannon and Ball's Bobby Ball — as Bill and Ben.

Chris Cordingley, business development manager at the Albert Halls, said: "We’ve had a fantastic panto season this year with family-favourite Cinderella and we hope everyone who came to see the show enjoyed themselves.

"Bolton’s very own Stu Francis was brilliant, as usual, and he had the audience enthralled with his character of Buttons.

"Our leading man, Aston Dobson, was phenomenal — a fantastic singer and a true professional."

The show launched on November 29 but was struck by tragedy just days later when one of the Ugly Sisters, Stephen Howe, died suddenly on December 9.

He had been entertaining families with his partner Roger Darrock and replacements Michael Garland and Colin Roberts stepped into the roles to ensure the show continued until January 4.

On Christmas Eve, Fairy Godmother Michelle Brown was overjoyed when her partner Rich Colledge joined her on stage to propose.

Mr Cordingley added: "We’ve had some challenges this year, with the sad loss of one of our actors, but the two Ugly Sisters who stepped in at short notice did a great job.

"Considering they had never worked together as a duo before, they did amazingly well and were a hit with the audience.

"We’ve also had some happy news with the engagement of the Fairy Godmother — proving that wishes really do come true. And the Harper Brothers were simply outstanding.

“We had an emotional last performance on Sunday, as all good things must come to an end, but we are delighted to be able to end on a high with 1,100 more people attending this year compared to last year.”

There will be no pantomime at the Albert Halls this year as it closes in February for up to a year for a £6.5 million revamp.