TAVISTOCK College students received a standing ovation from local people after hosting a free community pantomime.

An A-level performance studies group wrote and performed Tavirella — the traditional Cinderella story with a Tavistock twist — and were thrilled with the excellent feedback.

Student Josh Andrews, who played one of the Ugly Sisters, said: 'The show was amazing — everything that came back from the audience was really positive. They said it was as good as a pantomime you would see at the Theatre Royal.

'That's one reason we picked a pantomime because it's a style people are familiar with but it also meant they had high expectations. Linking it with Tavistock was key to the whole piece — the feedback showed people liked the local angle.'

The group — completed by students Lindsey Allum, Chris Gardiner, Josie Stephenson and Jay Lambert — also ran a raffle in aid of a local charity.

'We picked the Have a Heart Appeal, which is supporting the Starlight Foundation, because pantomime links closely to children and brings a smile to their faces, so we thought we'd donate to a charity which does the same,' said Josh.

'It was a community theatre piece so we chose Tavistock College's main hall as the venue because we felt it was a focal point for Tavistock. It's accessible for locals and we needed a big stage for pies in the face and dance routines.

'The point was to create a community piece and the college proved itself as a good venue in the feedback.'