OH YES they did! A local pantomime group has raised hundreds of pounds for good causes in the area.

The cast of the Preston Pantomime Group have hailed their five-night run of Little Jack Horner at Preston Village Hall as a resounding success.

Written by Paul Reakes, the panto told the story of little Jack Horner - the naughtiest boy at Dame Dimwit’s School, who catches a baddie trying to steal the Royal family’s most prized possession - the black pearl.

But when he puts his thumb in a pie to pull out the gem and return it to the king and queen, everyone assumes he’s stolen it and he’s forced to go on the run.

Julie Pardoe, who produced the show, said: "The rehearsals leading up to this year's show have been great as usual, we have a really great bunch of people and we always have fun on our Wednesday nights.

"The show has been no different, we've loved every second of it and we were all very sad when it had to end.

"It's been a great year, so we are all very pleased with how the show went. The audience really loved it and we had several people saying they want to join us next year which is fantastic!"

The group has been performing pantomimes in Weymouth for almost 40 years and uses its productions to raise money and awareness for a range of local causes.

This year more than £600 was raised through its annual raffle, with all proceeds going to its four chosen charities for the year - the Cavernoma Alliance, The Front, CLIC Sargent and the Dorset County Hospital Cancer Appeal.

Director Sian Oliphant, who also works for the Cavernoma Alliance which is based in Dorchester, said: "We have a great time rehearsing and performing our shows, and everyone always looks forward to panto week.

"But it makes it so much more worthwhile knowing we are also raising hundreds of pounds for local charities close to our heart.

"They all do such amazing work in the communities across Weymouth and we see it as our chance to give a little back and do what we can."

In previous years, the group has put on various classic productions including Mother Goose, Dick Whittington and Treasure Island It is now looking forward to beginning rehearsals for its next production - which will celebrate its 40th consecutive year on the stage.

Former cast members are being invited to return to the stage while those who fancy themselves as budding thespians are invited to tread the boards for the first time.

Anyone wishing to get involved should attend the first rehearsal on September 6 from 7.30pm at Preston Village Hall.

For any further information or to register your interest, contact Julie Pardoe on 01305 832620 or visit the group's Facebook page at facebook.com/Prestonpantomimegroup/