Meet the stars of Cumbria's biggest panto.

The star-studded cast of the Sands Centre panto have gathered for the first time.

And they have set the scene perfectly for what's poised to be a real festive treat.

There will be 30 performances of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Carlisle venue in December.

And former Britain's Got Talent champion George Sampson, who heads the line-up, says he can't wait to take to the stage.

He told the News & Star: "I love panto, I watched it as a kid and my first one I starred in was Jack and the Beanstalk in Derby.

"It's great to be back and I'm excited to explore Cumbria, I always go past on the train and see the hills.

"I'm looking forward to being around here more often".

Joining George - who plays Jack - in the cast is X Factor soul singer Andy Abraham as henchman Fleshcreep, CBBC starlet Gabrielle Green as the fairy, local Cumbrian actress Sarah Hughes as Jill and CFM radio DJ Robbie Dee, who will be Dame Trott.

The shows will run from December 12 to 31.

Audiences are expected to travel from all over the country to Carlisle to see the shows.

Dean Winters, who plays Simple Simon, travelled from Devon to meet the rest of the cast.

"I've only ever visited Carlisle for a wedding before, I'm very impressed," he said.

Tickets are on sale now from the Sands Centre box office.