Shepton Mallet's pantomime is always one of the highlights of the town's entertainment calendar.

And this year two very special ladies are clocking up a remarkable 80 years between them of treading the boards with the Shepton Mallet Theatre Group.

Close friends Doris Hayes and Anne Fone popped along to a rehearsal 40 years ago 'just to have a look' and have played a huge part in every production ever since.

Doris, of Mason Way, said: "The director gave us a bit of paper and said would we mind doing a bit of reading and by the end of the session we had been signed up.

"We've been involved with the group ever since. We both love it."

Doris and Anne – who coyly admit to being 'slightly over 50' – have also been heavily involved in playgroups, parent groups and Carnival life in the town over the years as well as the theatre group. The two familiar faces, renowned for their comedy acts and singing, will be playing their part in the chorus in this year's production – Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves – which is being staged at over half-term week at St Paul's School, Shepton Mallet from Tuesday, February 14 to Saturday, February 18.

Performances are at 7.15pm each night with a matinee performance at 2pm also on the Saturday. For more details about this year's show turn to page 9.