HUNDREDS of people are this week seeing the fruits of more than £400,000 fundraising as they watch the Oakworth panto.

The village’s Methodist Church is presenting Old Mother Hubbard on a new stage created as part of the ambitious ‘Mission Possible’ improvements.

Contractors were due to complete their work enlarging the building just days before ‘curtain-up’ on sell-out performances of the Wild West-set family show.

Construction work was able to begin last spring following several years of preparation, redesigns and efforts to secure funding including major grants from the Methodist hierarchy.

Panto supremo David Howarth, one of the church leaders who spearheaded Mission Possible, this month issued an update on the project.

He said local fundraising and donations for the Mission Possible Appeal had reached £100,163, bringing the total amount secured so far two £423,950.

He said: “The original appeal target of £425,000 will be reached when pantomime fundraising is added later this month, but the project budget has had to be increased to £450,000 for various reasons so we still have a little way to go to.

“Ninety-four per cent of the budget has been raised - the shortfall will be covered by a generous loan from the Methodist Airedale Circuit. Fundraising will continue to repay the loan.”

Mr Howarth said the new modular stage was finished in time the pantomime, with Wild West-themed scenery built on top of it.

The church’s new worship space – currently occupied by the stage – will be completed after pantomime finishes this Saturday, ready for a celebration weekend on April 6 and 7.

A church anniversary service on April 7 will be led by former Oakworth minister the Rev John Hudson.

Mr Howarth added: “The new stage is much wider at the back but doesn’t come as far forward, so audience capacity has increased by over 100 for the eight-show pantomime.

“Additional new drama facilities will be added over the next few months.

“The new annexe at the rear of the church is already in use and everyone is delighted with the additional space it has provided.

“We are looking forward to being able to use the new front entrance, foyer and larger car park when the garden and tarmaccing are completed.”

Church leaders last May announced that the project was “ready for lift-off” after finally securing the cash they needed to add a two-story annexe, improve access, upgrade theatre facilities and provide new facilities including extra toilets, kitchen and store rooms.