PERFORMERS aged from seven to 84 took to the stage for this year's Old Basing Pantomime.

And alongside the more traditional characters from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, special guests from well-known TV shows, including Bob the Builder and Postman Pat, also made an appearance.

The pantomime has been a year in the making, with Jackie Deadman, the show's writer and producer, finishing the script in November 2005.

Rehearsals began back in August, with the 60 performers dedicating every Thursday night to perfecting their roles for the pantomime, which was performed in Old Basing Village Hall.

The show raised money for the Friends of St Mary's Church, and was performed in memory of Ruth Mantel, who would have been in the pantomime but sadly died in April 2006.

Mrs Deadman, of Burton Gardens, said: "More than 600 people came to see the show and we have raised about £3,500 for the church. There was also a collection for St Michael's Hospice at the end, which raised £200."

All of the costumes for Snow White were specially made for the production and the music was provided by groups, including the Basing Singers.

Mrs Deadman, who is also secretary of the Friends of St Mary's Church, said: "It was a great community effort and brought a lot of people together.

"Following the last pantomime, three years ago, we are now building up a nice stock of costumes, so next time we will have to think of a pantomime that features a coffin and a cow!"