A PINT and a panto was in order for visitors to Exbourne's Red Lion Inn between Christmas and New Year, helping banish the winter blues and raise money for local good causes.

On the nights of December 28 and 29 played host to Exbourne's Village Idiot Productions' 'Cinderella', which included a few local references, much to the entertainment of the gathered crowd.

The pantomime raised £500, which will be split between Help for Heroes and Exbourne Pre-school.

The panto was part of a week-long real ale festival at the Red Lion, raising money for the Devon Air Ambulance and Exbourne Pre-school.

Eight real ales were stocked behind the bar and served straight from the barrel, with 50p from each pint going to the two charities. The beer festival raised a further £300.

Nick Hamlyn, landlord of the Red Lion Inn, said: 'The panto was absolutely brilliant — everyone who came along had a great night.

'We had a prize draw and a collection, and everyone was really generous.

'The guys who did the performance really enjoyed themselves, as did the audience, and we're hoping to put on another big event in the summer.'