PANTO star Eliza Taylor-Cotter is promising to bring some Australian sunshine to Weymouth this winter.

The petite blonde star of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which opens at the town's Pavilion theatre next week, said: "Watch out Weymouth - it's going to be a blast!

"We don't have pantomime in Australia and I've never even seen one before. I've flown half way round the world for a whole new experience and I can't wait."

Eliza, 18, is currently best known as feisty car mechanic Janae Hoyland in the Australian soap Neighbours.

She has now left the soap and hopes to make her fortune in Los Angeles - but now all she is worrying about is putting on a great pantomime of the people of Dorset.

"It will be great and I can't wait to get stuck into the show," she said. "Weymouth is such a cute place. It will be great to be here for Christmas - and I've heard all about how you celebrate New Year in town too. It will be fantastic."

  • Snow White is at the Pavilion from December 19 to January 6. Box office: 01305 783225.