A VETERAN panto star has been chosen to play Buttons in Cinderella at this year’s Christmas show at The Brindley.

Rikki Stone who has appeared all over the world joins Becky Lane as Cinderella and Christopher Pym as Prince Charming and singer Sonya.

He said: "I met other members of the cast at the vintage rally in Widnes and we all gelled straight away.

“I am counting down the days until we start rehearsals."

Rikki has a lot of experience in children’s theatre and has appeared in countless pantos including Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and The Wizard of Oz.

The fun-loving actor was a compere on a cruise ship travelling to China, Japan and North Korea and starred in a show at Alton Towers

For the past three years he has performed in a three-man vocal harmony group called The Base Tones across the UK and abroad.

Rikki is looking forward to joining Polka Dot pantomimes again to play his favourite role as lovelorn Buttons.

Buttons is the servant of Cinderella's father, Baron Hardup and is Cinderella's friend.

He is often in love with Cinderella and is constantly trying to express his feelings to her only for her to remain unaware of his love for her or she simply replies she loves him only as the brother she never had.

Cinderella runs from December 12 until 15 January 15 and tickets are available from the box office on 0151 907 8360 and thebrindley.org.uk.