LAST year's festive offering at The Courtyard in Hereford was its most successful ever at the venue, with over 21,000 people attending.

A spokesman said: "Beauty and the Beast enjoyed a hugely successful run, beating last year’s sales figures by 11% and attracting a total of 21,203 visitors, including 43 schools.

"The Courtyard’s Christmas Appeal, which ran alongside the pantomime and partnered with local charity, Herefordshire Riding for the Disabled (RDA), was also very successful and raised over £10,000 which will be split evenly between the two charities."

Lisa Millman, RDA Herefordshire Centre Manager, said, “Working with The Courtyard has been fantastic, and we are so grateful for the generous support from Panto audiences. It has made a huge difference to our charity in raising awareness of the activities we provide to the community, as well as much needed funds to keep our Centre at Holme Lacey running. Funds raised from the Appeal will go towards the purchase of a bespoke saddle for some of our severely physically disabled riders, as well as caring for our amazing horses and ponies.”

Ian Archer, Chief Executive at The Courtyard, said, “I am so pleased at the success of Beauty and the Beast and so proud of the hard-working team here at The Courtyard who made it happen. "It is always a pleasure to produce the pantomime and work with such a great group of professional up and coming actors."