MEMBERS of a cancer support group have hit on a new way to beat the blues - they're putting on a panto.

More than 20 people - the staff and clients of Cancercareline in Blackwood - will be taking part in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Blackwood Little Theatre.

Dress rehearsals are being held today and the panto is due to be staged later this week.

Jean Edmunds runs the charity, which helps those in the Caerphilly county borough affected by cancer.

"This time of year can be very sad for people who have cancer or who have been bereaved," she said.

"So we thought we would do something a bit special for January and it has taken off really well."

If the panto is a success, the group will try for funding to stage another next year.

Jean will be front-of-house on the big nights, but her husband Mike is panto dame, Holly Macintosh is Snow White, the Prince is played by Aled Evans, and the Huntsman by Sam Stevens, with local children taking the parts of the dwarfs.

* Performances take place at 7pm on January 7 to 10 and at 2pm on Saturday, January 10. Tickets are £4 for adults, £3 with concessions.

Telephone 01495 221660 for tickets. Profits will go to Blackwood Cancercareline.