A PANTO has been saved - in an 11th hour drama.

Puss In Boots was on the verge of being cancelled when its ninth life was rescued with a Christmas gift of £2,200 from Halton Housing Trust (HHT).

"If we had not received this money, we would have had to make the difficult decision of whether we actually run this year's panto," said Louis Neeves, co-founder and vice chair of Halton Entertainment and Art Regional Theatre School (HEARTS).

"It would have left us with no funds and in a very difficult situation next year. We're delighted to have received such a generous donation. Everyone at the school would like to say a big thank you."

The money was donated from the trust's community sponsorship fund.

Nick Atkin, chief executive of HHT, said: "We lent our support to HEARTS because we knew it was a worthwhile organisation that is bringing arts and entertainment to the local community.

"It's fantastic to see so many young people and adults so enthusiastic about putting on their own production and giving something back to the community where they live."

Puss In Boots was performed at Upton Community Centre, Widnes, last week. HEARTS has 75 children and adult members.

HHT has committed £25,000 a year over the next four years from a community sponsorship fund, thanks to a £100,000 donation from the trust's funders, Lloyds TSB.