PRINCE Charming rode into town with a troupe of curious and colourful characters.

Gladiator Hunter, real name James Crossley, toured the town centre with cast members from this year's Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The muscle-clad Glad had in tow stars of the stage and screen such as Dad's Army's Frank Williams and former Coronation Street actress Sally Ann Matthews.

Sally Ann, who played Jenny Bradley in the Street, stole the heart of three-year-old Bethany Lund from Walton-le-Dale. The youngster is an avid Disney fan, so when she saw the actress dressed up as her favourite character Snow White, she just had to offer her a bunch of flowers. But it was burly Hunter who older fan Anita Reynolds turned up to see. The 57-year-old mum-of-four from Lawson Street never misses an episode of Gladiators. She said: "He's much better looking in real life. I live in hope but will probably die in despair!"

Hunter was happy meeting local shoppers and said: "Everybody's really friendly and polite here.

"I had a sneaky look at the Charter Theatre which is being refurbished and it looks fantastic. I'm looking forward to the shows."

The panto runs from December 19 to January 10 at the Charter Theatre. Contact the Box Office on 258858.

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