ABOUT 30 local and international organisations will get a slice of £5,400 raised by a village pantomime.

Launton Village Player’s production of The Little Mermaid, which took to the stage at Cooper School, Churchill Road, Bicester, in February, was seen by 1,310 people.

Among those to benefit are local schools, charity Book Aid International, which work with schools and public libraries in Africa; Launton Friends of Cancer UK; Bicester Food Bank; SSAFA; The Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance; and Launton’s Island Pond Wood.

Robert Cornford, publicity officer for the Launton Pantomime, said: “We always support local schools who help us with publicity, and this year we have given money to 14 of them.

“At the same time, to show an international vision, the panto has also given money to Book Aid International, who work across Africa with school and public libraries.

“It’s good to know that all the fun the cast and audience had at The Little Mermaid can bring the pleasure of books and learning to schools and libraries here and overseas.”

Since the annual pantomime started in 1986, it has raised almost £68,000 for good causes.