MUSIC, magic and mystery are just some of the attractions on the local entertainment scene in the next few weeks.

On Sunday, February 18 there is a treat in store for youngsters at the Theatre Royal when 'The Ugly Duckling' waddles into town for one day only with showings at 1.30 and 4.30pm.

And Christmas might be a distant memory but there is still a chance to enjoy some traditional panto fun when 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' returns to the theatre from Thursday to Saturday, February 22 to 24. This stars actress/singer Leanne Leighton from Billinge in the title role and Simon Armstrong as Prince Florizel

The amazing Spirit of the Dance make a welcome return on Sunday, February 25 from 7.30pm with their new show 'One World', a breathtaking spectacular, which brings together Irish Dance, tap and ballroom with Flamenco, Salsa and Tango.

Looking a little further ahead, on Friday, March 10 there is a chance to enjoy 'An Audience with Paul Daniels' when the popular TV magician will invite members of the audience to have a chat and ask questions.

Over at The Citadel tonight (Thursday, February 15) there is a chance to sample 'Originality' in the shape of new poems and prose. This starts at 8pm and if you would like to take part, call Tony on 0151 424 5721 to book a spot, or just turn up on the night.

And the Waterloo Street venue has a busy schedule for Saturday, February 17. In the afternoon there is spellbinding theatre for the under-8s when Pop-Up present 'Snow Shoes' starting at 2pm. While from 8pm, The Steve Gibbons Band will be on stage.

The music continues at The Citadel on Friday, February 23 when bands from the St Helens Music Collective will be striking up from 8pm

There is mystery in the air when Rainhill Garrick Society present 'The Late Edwina Black' at Rainhill Village Hall, off Weaver Avenue, until Saturday, February 17. Curtain up is 7.30pm and tickets are available from Rainhill Post Office and Rainhill Village Hall or by ringing 01744 813429.

TheJazz Rendezvous at the Star at Rainford continues on Sunday, February 18 from 8.30pm with Ian Royle (trumpet), Maurice Gavan (clarinet), Mike Pearson (trombone) and Dave Alexander (guitar).

Jazz is also on the menu at the Bell and Barrel, on Thursday, February 22 when you can listen to the sounds of Les Chisnall and Stephen Chadwick. And on Friday, February 23 local R & B favourites The Swampstompers will be holding court again at the North John Street hostelry from 8.30pm. Admission is free.

Lovers of traditional jazz/swing music can listen to tunes from the 30s and 40s played by The Dixie Kings every Wednesday at the Deanes House Hotel, Prescot from 8.30 to 11.15pm. Admission is free.

St Helens Sinfonietta are presenting their Winter Concert on Sunday, February 24 at the United Reformed Church, Ormskirk Street. This starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available from 01744 616635/28314/22632.

The 1st Haydock Girls Brigade are holding an indoor attic sale on Saturday, March 10 at Christchurch United Reform Church, Haydock from 9.30am to 1.30pm. If you wish to reserve a table for £5 please ring 01744 615139. Admission is 30p for adults and 20p for children.

Rainford Scout Troup is holding a jumble sale on Saturday, February 24 at the Scout Headquarters, Church Road, Rainford from 2pm onwards. They are also holding a nearly new and bric-a-brac sale on Saturday, March 10 from 10am to noon and from 1.30pm onwards, at the same venue. If you have any items you could donate, please contact 01942 727182.

The Crash Band, which features Andy Dickson and Chris Dipple from Haydock and Paul Cunliffe from Newton-le-Willows, are appearing at The Lomax, Hotham Street, Liverpool tomorrow (Friday, February 16) as support to Manbreak. Tickets are available from Virgin Records, Liverpool at £4.50, or, with flyers, £3 available from 07801 741502.

The Framing Studio and Observer Gallery, Rowbottom Square, Wigan is hosting an exhibition by St Helens artist Paul Cousins and Ulrich West, from Ashton-in-Makerfield until, Thursday, March 1. Further details from Mike on 01942 233022.