PANTO veterans in Burnley are sure - more than ever before - that their best days aren't behind them.

For the Burnley Panto Society, when their production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves takes to the stage at Burnley Mechanics on January 11, will celebrate their 30th anniversary in the spotlight.

In a world of iPods, Wiis and Facebook, there's still a little bit of room for some honest-to-goodness family fun.

"We felt that there wasn't a place where an ordinary family could take all their children to see a panto," said society chairman Hazel Hodder, who set up the society with her late husband Stan in 1978.

The 70-year-old had been a leading light of the Burnley Light Operatic Society and had produced Sunday school pantos so the society, now a theatrical mainstay in East Lancashire, was born from there.

"We have grown very big now but we had very humble beginnings. We wanted to give people, who would not normally be considered, a chance to do leading parts in a major production," added Hazel.

She admits that the old-fashioned fairytale romance of Cinderella - "always good box office" - is a personal favourite of hers.

In fact the society's first-ever production, starring Kathie (correct) Dade as Prince Charming and Anne Devon as Cinders, reflects this.

But she knows times are changing and the society's take on Snow White breaks with tradition slightly, promising some more modern twists on the usual exploits of Happy, Sneezy, Doc and company.

The past three decades has seen members come and go but Neil Tranmer has been an ever-present.

And it is quite common for past stage stars, and producers to come back and lend a hand in later life.

Seasoned producer Howard G Raw has been at the helm of a number of productions and returns again this year.

In the leading role will be Maria Masterman, from Clitheroe, and Kathleen Watkins is the Evil Queen, as the part of Merlin the Mirror is taken by Roger Dugdale, of Wilpshire.

Along with some decidedly mischievious adult dwarves, and the talents of members of the Sandersons Dance and Fitness Centre, choreographed by Lynn McSheyne, the stage is set for some family fun.

The panto has had three homes - starting off in Burnley Baptist Church Hall before enjoying a successful run at Burnley College, then transferring to the Mechanics in 1987.

Occasionally the production has gone off on a mini-tours. One year the cast did four nights at The Civic in Nelson and another saw them entertain hospital patients at Brockhole.

This year the demands of a 10-day run, including four matinees, will be enough for the current crop of talent.

Much of the continued success of the society is down to a combined voluntary effort, not least on the part of Hazel, who couldn't even escape the stage in her professional life.

For many years she made theatrical costumes, running Proscenium Enterprises in Burnley with her husband, in between panto runs. Her son Andrew, now 39 and a pianist, also played a key role on the ivories, for around 16 years, Today the productions are a year-round enterprise - the Manchester Road venue is already booked for the 2008 show before Snow White has had a chance to bite her first apple.

The scripts have to be sourced and the scenery booked months in advance. That's even before rehearsals at Brierfield Methodist Church begin in earnest.

Down the years the society has raised thousands of pounds for a host of good causes, with any profits split between, schools, charities and local churches.

For more details about the society contact Hazel on 01282 425181 or to book tickets for any of the shows contact the Mechanics box office on 01282 664400.