IT'S panto time in Craven - with at least seven local groups about to tread the boards.

Addingham Pantomime Group is staging Puss in Boots, with a strong cast of principals and an enthusiastic chorus of children.

The show opens in the Memorial Hall tomorrow, with further performances on Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and next Saturday.

Tickets can be booked by calling Jane Gregory on 01943 831007.

Bentham Theatre Group takes its audience on an adventure across the seas with its interpretation of Robinson Crusoe.

It will be staged in Bentham Town Hall from Wednesday to Friday at 7.30pm and on Saturday at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available from Temptations, on Main Street, or on the door.

Carleton Village Theatre Group will tell the story of Pinocchio - its 19th show since the revival of the village tradition in 1996.

The action is set in the small Italian village of Carletonio and there is a cast of 50 adults and children, ably supported by a small army of costume makers, props builders, scenery painters and technicians.

The performances will take place in the village hall from Wednesday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with an extra matinee performance on Saturday at 2pm.

Tickets are on sale from The Swan Inn.

Gargrave Pantomime Group will bring Aladdin to life in the village hall from next Thursday to next Saturday.

The show has been written by Skipton teenager Ruth Garrett, who is also in the cast alongside many regular faces as well as a couple of new ones.

The production is directed by Anita Eccles, who is assisted by musical director Geoff Garrett and choreographers Meryll Mohan-Hill and Laura Mitton, and, as usual, it is a traditional panto with a twist!

There are performances at 7.15pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm, and tickets are available from The Dalesman Cafe, Gargrave Library or on the door.

Glusburn Youth Theatre has also chosen Aladdin as its 2015 offering.

Once again, it will feature the famous flying ballet.

The show opens at Glusburn Institute on Sunday at 3pm, with further performances on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 7pm and next Saturday at 2pm and 7pm.

For tickets, ring 01535 630922.

Grassington Pantoloons will be staging Red Riding Hoodie in the town hall.

There will be performances at 7.30pm next Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21, and the following weekend, February 27 and 28. There will also be a 2.30pm matinee each Saturday.

Tickets are available from Grassington Hub or on the door.

Also taking to the stage later this month is Ingleton Theatre Group.

It will present its version of Sleeping Beauty in the community centre from Wednesday, February 25, to Saturday, February 28.

With junior chorus members, adult cast, backstage crew and supporters numbering over 100, this production has massive community involvement.

Tickets are available from the community centre or telephoning 015242 41701 during office hours.