THE cast and crew of the Preston Pantomime Group broke a leg at breakneck speed.

The intrepid actors selected, rehearsed and staged a performance of Sleeping Beauty all in the space of one weekend.

Choreographer Monique Limm said: "Despite the name, none of us got much sleep and it was all a bit hectic on the night, but it went really well.

"I helped to put the cast members through their dance routines, and just about had time to learn my only line for the performance."

The dedicated performers trod the boards at the Seaview Haven Holiday Park in Preston, Weymouth.

The cast and crew received moral support from Hi De Hi actor Barry Howard, who dropped in on the cast to offer them his good wishes.

Mrs Limm said: "Barry couldn't make it for the performance, so he came down especially during our rehearsals.

"The audience were great, everyone gave us loads of support."

The group went against the clock to raise money for two charities, and the response was so good they were able to present a cheque of £200 each for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and CLIC as soon as the performance had ended.

The performance raised a total of over £2,000 for charity, from ticket sales and profits.