BY day a hard-working civil servant, by night an entertainments entrepreneur. That is one way to describe Cleveleys' Tom Gradwell.

For the last 25 years Tom has been staging amateur pantomimes to raise money for charity and when he brings "Aladdin" to life in February, this year will be no exception. Tom described his passion for pantomime and told us, "after a hard day at work, I love to come home and put my efforts into something I really enjoy.

"I write the script, produce the show and even enlist the help of my wife as costume director." He added: "Any profits go directly to local children's charities within Blackpool. We have raised more than £12,000 for the NSPCC alone in the last few years.'

Despite boasting no big-name stars, and being a non-profit organisation, the pantomimes are very professional - so much so that they have been featured in a BBC documentary on Blackpool's entertainments.

The fact that this year's performances are nearly sold out already is testament to their quality. As well as raising money to help kids, Tom also gets them involved from schools all across the area.

He said: "It is genuine fun for all the family, and the best bit is that it really will help others".

Aladdin runs from February 1 to February 5 at The Marine Hall, Fleetwood. Tickets are priced £4 for adults, £3 for children and can be booked by telephoning (01253) 863462.

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