"He's behind you!" will be the refrain as a new pantomime opens in the Dengie tomorrow.

The Dengie Amateur Music Group will be performing traditional pantomime Red Riding Hood at the Village Hall, in Manor Road, Dengie, and hope to raise thousands for charity in the process.

WIth coloufrul costumes and bouncy musical numbers, the group hope to wow audience members and entice potential new members.

Tom Cooper, who has been involved with the group for more than 25 years, said: "I was pleased with the way the dress rehearsal went on Sunday.

"We have had a few new members joining, there's around 30 cast and crew now.

"They have all pulled well together."

The group donated around £2,300 to charities and local causes last year, including Dengie D-Caf, the Honey Lock Fund, Macmillan and the Dengie Project Trust, and hope for a similar figure this year.

Starring roles of Red Riding Hood and the Wolf are played by Harriet Baker and Williams Briggs.

Mr Cooper said: "A lot of them are doubling up on parts.

"There's really nice, bouncy musical numbers."

Remaining tickets are available at The Limes Farm Shop, Southminster Road, Burnham or Yogi's Londis, South Street, Tillingham.