With autumn in full swing, stars from the Tunbridge Wells panto gathered to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Assembly Hall Theatre's pantomime this year, Sleeping Beauty, was officially launched at the theatre in the town by Benidorm and Brookside star Claire Sweeney, with Channel 5's Milkshake star Derek Moran.

The show, which is being produced by UK Productions in association with the theatre and directed by John-Jackson Almond, promises flying fairies, a fire-breathing dragon and some CGI animation.

Loose Women star Claire, who appeared in panto at the Central Theatre, Chatham last year, returns to Kent to play the wicked fairy godmother Carabosse.

It comes on the back of West End roles in Chicago and, Educating Rita and Legally Blonde, as well as a UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Joining her is Derek Moran, playing Silly Billy, who is a regular on Channel 5's Milkshake, who used to live in the county, in Maidstone while a member of the chart topping band D-Side at the start of his career. He has been in panto with UK Productions for 10 years.

Quinn Patrick returns for a second year to Tunbridge Wells as Nurse Nelly, after playing Widow Twankey last year.

The show runs from Friday, December 7 to Wednesday, January 2. To book tickets from £15.50 for children and £24 for adults, call 01892 530613 or visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk