A theatre has offered a festive boost to 10 local families.

Lowestoft Foodbank has received free tickets to the Marina Theatre's pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, allowing 10 local families to enjoy the show this Christmas season, at no cost to them.

Emma Butler Smith, the Marina Theatre's chief executive, said: "We think that everybody should have the chance to do something nice at Christmas, whatever their personal situation.

"We realise that there are so many financial pressures this time of year and taking children to see our pantomime is probably not everyone's number one priority.

"So we're offering 10 free family tickets to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and we're also giving each family a goodie bag which includes a programme, sweets, and ice-cream tokens."

Sam Porter, Lowestoft Foodbank, added: "We need all the donations we can get.

"Christmas is a really tough time of the year. It's expensive and cold.

"We expect to see numbers sky rocket in December. UHT milk, tinned fruit, tinned meat are always in low stock.

"Food donations are absolutely vital for us to support people in crisis."

With numerous donation points in the area, including ASDA on Horn Hill and the Pakefield Morrisons, to see a full list of drop-off points, visit www.lowestoft.foodbank.org

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens on Thursday, December 12 and will run for 34 sparkling performances.

The spectacular pantomime stars Michael Auger from Collabro and Lowestoft's favourite panto comic, Terry Gleed, is back for his fifth consecutive year at the Marina Theatre.

Tickets can be booked online via www.marinatheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 01502 533200.