AFTER 10 years away panto returned to Edgworth to rave reviews.

A Pantomime was last staged in the village in 2006 and since then people have missed out on their dose of Dames, principal boys and slapstick humour.

However last year plans were put in place to bring a show back to the village and audiences packed in for three sold out performances over the weekend.

Cindy and the Lost Croc featured a cast of 50 youngsters aged between five and 15 and told an updated version of Cinderella, full of local references and humour for the adults.

It was directed by Anthony Appleton and Lauren Dickenson, who both performed in the last pantomime, in 2006.

Speaking about this show, Mr Appleton, aged 25, said: "It has been great. All the cast have been absolute stars.

"It has been 12 years since our last pantomime. I was the ugly step-sister and Lauren was the prince and we have now brought it back 12 years on."

The previous run of pantomimes went from 2001 to 2006 and ended when the writer moved from the area.

The new show is an updated version of one of the original scripts, Cindy and the Nike Trainer and it has proven a hit with the case and audiences.

Mr Appleton said: "All the cast have been amazing and loved it. We have had so many good reviews and feedback from the audience.

"I am so so proud of all the cast. They have worked so hard. They have all changed in terms of confidence."

With packed audiences loving this year's show, plans are already being made for next year's performance and it is hoped more performances and Mr Appleton said he hopes they can get more people in and put on more performances next year.

Reflecting on this year's pantomime, Mr Appleton said: "It has been a challenge but it has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life.

"The cast have pulled it out the bag, they were absolute stars."

A lot of work went into getting sets and costumes together for the show and was sponsored by The White Horse in North Turton.