Christmas will have added magic this year for two best friends as they take on the leading roles in Workington’s pantomime.

Sarah Deans and Elizabeth Corless, who met as pupils of Victoria Infant School, will play Dick Whittington and Alice Fitzwarren in Workington and District Amateur Musical Society's production.

Appearing in panto is a big commitment, with rehearsals taking up much of the run-up to the big day, and shows beginning on Boxing Day.

But for those who take part, it’s part of what makes Christmas special.

Elizabeth says: “"Panto makes my Christmas. It's a big commitment but it's worth it.

"I love this year's role because I get to be sweet and incident and I get to be alongside my best friend."

Sarah, 18, adds: "I've been doing it so long I can't really remember what Christmas without it feels like. It's such a fun experience that it doesn't feel like some sort of commitment, it's just going out and doing something fun over Christmas."

Sarah joined the society eight years ago to perform in Cinderella, after being told about it by a school friend.

She says: "I've worked my way through being chorus to a dancer and eventually performing principle roles from Cinderella's fairy Godmother to the evil witch in Sleeping beauty.

"I've now found myself as the principle boy which is a really great role to have; but also really important to me to get right.

Elizabeth, 19, joined the society six years ago after being inspired by panto.

It was then that the pair met up again and renewed their friendship.

Sarah says: "We have been inseparable ever since and performing alongside her has been an incredible experience for our friendship. It's really great to be doing a scene and you can look across the stage and know that you're up there with your best friend doing what you both love."

Tickets are £13 each or £46 for a family of four, from carnegietheatre.co.uk or on 01900 602122.

Booking fees apply.

The show is on at 2pm every day and at 6pm each day except Boxing Day.