The costumes are ready, the rehearsals are drawing to an end and the set has now arrived which means this year's Citizen-sponsored Christmas panto', Peter Pan, is ready for take off.

Swashbuckling times are ahead at Preston's Charter Theatre, Lancaster Road, as the classic JM Barrie fairytale, takes to the stage next Thursday, December 8.

Former 911 star, Lee Brennan, will jump aboard the Jolly Roger as Peter Pan to take on the dastardly Captain Hook and his sidekick, Smee, played by former Coronation Street star, Trevor Dwyer-Lynch, who played taxi driver, Patrick, in the hit soap.

Also joining them will be Rock FM's traffic and travel presenter, Gemma Dee, who will play Wendy.

It is the biggest Christmas production the Charter Theatre has taken on and organisers at the venue cannot wait to get the show on the road.

Paul Humphreys, publicity officer, said: "We are very much looking forward to Peter Pan.

"Christmas time in the theatre is always great and we have four weeks of amazing fun with audiences of all ages loving the fantasy and stupidity of the whole thing."

He said the panto', which runs until Sunday, January 8, had a few treats in store.

"Well, without spoiling too much, there is going to be flying," he said.

"And we will have the most interactive finale you will ever have experienced -- guaranteed."

Tickets for the panto' are £13 adults, £11 children and £40 family (two adults and two children) with discounts available. Call 01772 258858 for bookings.