SALTY the Dog, Cookie and Hortense Hornblower are just three of the unusual characters in the panto, Puss in Boats, being staged at Blackawton village hall this weekend.

Panto spokesman, Heather Gates, said the production was a panto and yet not a panto. The silly costumes, and daft jokes are there but there is no dame.

Puss in Boats has been written and directed by Simon Rake, who wrote last year's successful show.

Heather said: 'Anyone who saw it will want to come back again this year.

'It was very funny and had appeal for all the family.'

The show features Emma Reynolds as Puss, Sandy H Morris as Salty the Dog, Anita Reynolds as Hortense Hornblower and Lol Fraenkel as Black Orton.

Puss in Boats commences at 7.30pm tonight and tomorrow at Blackawton village hall. Tickets are available from Blackawton post office or on the door. But it is expected that Saturday's performance will be sold out before the night.

Pictured (left to right) at dress rehearsal are: Anita Reynolds, Emma Reynolds, Tony Gates (Cookie), Lol Fraenkel and Sandy H Morris. Photo by Torquil MacLeod (4/2-F23).