CATS, rats, fairies and pirates take to the stage in Royston later this month when the annual town pantomime begins.

Royston-based Corvus Amateur Drama group (CADS) will this year be putting on a production of Dick Whittington, telling the tale of the penniless title character, who takes to the road with his trusty feline side-kick, Tiddles, and bids to stop the evil King Rat taking over London.

Director Kathy Wholley said: “It’s a good old traditional panto with lots and lots of daft jokes, fun songs and audience participation.

“It has been such fun to do and I am, as always, amazed and humbled by the talent we have in the cast and the crew. So do come along, cheer the goodies, boo the baddies and enjoy the show.”

CADS is also seeking nominees for its two annual awards, to be presented at the end of the last performance of the pantomime at Meridian School on Saturday, February 2.

The Fred Sillence Award, named in honour of the former Crow editor who was an active member of the group, is given “for outstanding contribution to the performing arts”. It is open to anyone aged 18 or over who has made a significant contribution to theatre or drama in the last 12 months.

The Lizzie Houghton Award, also named in honour of another former member of the society, is given “for outstanding contribution to youth drama”, and is for under-18s who have made a significant contribution to theatre or drama in a school, a club, a theatre or dance group, be it on stage, backstage, or for music or script writing.

Both awards are open to anyone living in Royston and surrounding villages.

Dick Whittington is being performed at Meridian School on Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, and again on Friday and Saturday, February 1 and 2, with Friday performances at 7.30pm and Saturdays at 2pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets for all performances cost £10 and £7 and are available from 07925 674967, or online at www.cadsroyston.org.uk Proceeds from programme sales will this year be going to the Autism Society.