PANTO fan Rita Wells queued since 4.10 pm yesterday to get the first tickets for next Christmas' big production at York Theatre Royal, Cinderella.

She headed a huge queue this morning which stretched 100 metres along St Leonard's Place from the box office at the De Grey Rooms to the entrance to the theatre, which is set to re-open this spring after a £6 million redevelopment.

Rita, from Boroughbridge, was rewarded for her long wait with hugs and playful banter with Britain's longest-running panto dame, Berwick Kaler.

She said she had bought 14 tickets for friends and family for a performance in January, and queued so long to ensure she got the seats she wanted on the day she wanted.

"It started off a bit cold and then when it started drizzling they very kindly let us go inside where it was lovely and warm," she said.

Berwick, who is preparing for his 38th consecutive year as a dame, was clearly looking forward to returning to the more traditional setting of the Theatre Royal after last Christmas' show took place in the grounds of the National Railway Museum, required because of the ongoing revamp.

He said, tongue apparently firmly in cheek:"I don't want to come back - I want to do it in a tent!"

Berwick, Theatre Royal colleagues and staff from panto sponsors Benenden lifted queuers' spirits by handing out tea and coffee.

Tickets, priced from £33.50 - £14, are on sale in person only from the Box Office today then on sale online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk at 6pm this evening and then on the phone on 01904 623568 from 9am tomorrow.