AN ACTION-packed pantomime is promised in Oakworth next month as the Methodist Church presents Little Red Riding Hood.

Children and teenagers from the village take to the stage for a family show promising songs, dance, comedy and romance. The show follows the original fairytale with lots more to keep the large cast busy during eight performances between February 15 and 22.

Granny Goodheart lives in her cottage in the forest near the village of Ferndale, but she's struggling to meet the rent, and is facing eviction at the hands of Sir Jasper and Lady Sapphira de Vyle. Prince Valentine and his faithful servant Bobby Dazzler happen to visit Ferndale, and the Prince soon falls in love with Granny’s eldest daughter Roxie.

Then Valentine is framed as a thief and has to hide out in the forest until his name can be cleared - and there are rumours that there's a wolf lurking nearby. Danger lies in stores for Roxie’s younger sister Rosie, more lovingly known as Little Red Riding Hood, who spends most of her time in that forest.

Panto spokesman David Howarth said the audience would enjoy the excitement and laughter as they were carried along in another spectacular, magical adventure.

He said: "Our heroes encourage you to join in some marvellous comedy routines, and you will be treated to some spectacular song and dance routines by the dancers, villagers and woodland sprites.

"The Woodland Fairy keeps the story on track and you can boo as much as you like when Lupus Rex is around! As ever, Little Red Riding Hood leads everyone to the wolf in Granny’s cottage - true love wins over as Valentine marries Roxie and everyone lives happily ever after.

"The costumes, scenery and special effects on our new stage are as wonderful as ever - including our acclaimed UV scene in the woodland fairy grotto deep in the forest."

The cast of the panto includes Lauren Loughtman, Lucy Chester, Scarlett Morris, Alyssa Chester, October Fox-Grange, Hannah Woollett, Finn Rowlett, Catherine Burbage-Atter, Gabriella Hands, Emily Hudson, Bethany Holmes, Michael Corcoran, Phoebe Fox-Grange, Lily Wood and Peter Harris.

Little Red Riding Hood runs in the evenings of February 15, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22 at 7pm, and both Saturdays at 2pm.

Visit oakworthmethodists.org or call Peter Howarth on 07968 618312 to book tickets. The Oakworth pantomime usually sells out most of its performances.