PEOPLE from as far away as Blackpool and the Fylde coast are snapping up tickets for the Christmas pantomime "A Christmas Fantasy" at King George's Hall.

More than a fortnight before rehearsals begin some performances are already almost sold out.

Visitors are also booking from Barnoldswick, Longridge, Chorley, Clitheroe, Accrington and across the border into Yorkshire.

Coaching has already begun and lucky Jade Martin, 11, of Chorley and Andrew McDonald, 12, of Blackburn were delighted to be chosen from 20 children, aged 9-13, who auditioned at the Blackburn Ice Arena to skate alongside the talented cast of 15 international skaters in the pantomime.

Dean Morgan, 13, of Darwen and Michelle Royds, 11, of Blackburn were also chosen as under studies.

Karen Barber, former British ice-skating champion, has been coaching the youngsters in the run-up to rehearsals, and she says they are very excited about the performance.

Rehearsals begin on December 22, and the show runs from December 27 - January 11. There will be two performances each day, and tickets are priced at £10/£9 with £2 reductions for children, senior citizens and students. Group bookings can be made at £6 for all seats.

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