THE cygnets sang their hearts out down on Swamp Lake, Dingham-le-Dale, blissfully unaware of the wicked gala-day plot which was unfolding.

The evil French Baron and his henchmen, Quasi and Modo, planned to kidnap the princess, sabotaging her prince charming on his way to claim her hand in marriage.

But help was at hand in the shape of Supernan. This Mary Poppins-like character refused to be manipulated by their machinations and saved the day with a dose of her marvellous medicine.

En route to its happy ending The Princess and the Frog, at Addingham Memorial Hall over half-term, provided many a good laugh and spirit-lifting song.

Indeed, renditions of the Addingham Wing Walk were still echoing around the village streets this week.

The three-hour show played to packed and appreciative audiences and it was evident that much fun was had by all.

A fund-raising pantomime is run annually by the parent-teacher association in aid of the village schools.

The real stars are the pupils and as many as possible are involved, with 30 youngsters from the primary school and 30 from the middle school taking part this year.

These enthusiastic youngsters provided the cygnets, a chorus of 'gribbiting' frogs, various peasants, Morris and maypole dancers and, of course, the princess herself, Amy Bairstow.

The frog of the title was played, alternately, by Samantha Emmott and Hannah De'Ath.

Helping the action along were adults in the roles of Dame (Terry Greaves), Prince (Louise Watson), Baron (Euan Donald, Supernan (Lynn Rishworth), King (Peter Hadfield), Queen (Elizabeth Hadfield), Quasi (Eleanor Ellis) and Modo (Philippa Norton).

Backstage, Trudi and Graham De'Ath were responsible for costume and set design.

The pantomime was adapted by director Ruth Knottage.

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