YOUNG dancers have been pulled out of the Cinderella Christmas panto at the Alhambra Theatre in a last-minute move amid rising COVID case numbers.

Parents branded the decision "unnecessary" as guidelines for school children have remained unchanged despite new measures.

They said that the children had been left "heartbroken" by the sudden decision after rehearsing several times a week for the last month.

A parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the Press: "They said they didn't want any unnecessary people on the stage.

"But there was no need for them to do that because we haven't been put into a tier and there have been no changes to schools.

"The kids are so upset after all the hard work.

"And they've given them tickets to come and watch the show which makes no sense."

A total of 24 children aged seven to 13 have been involved in the panto from Dance Academy and Ignite School of Dance.

Performances were due to begin yesterday (Wednesday) and run through to December 27.

Another parent said: "The decision was made on Sunday and I would understand if the guidelines have changed but they haven't.

"I don't know if there has been concern from the other cast members but it's been really upsetting for the kids.

"The panto is all about the kids so it's really sad.

"If the whole thing was pulled it would be easier to explain to the kids but because it's just them, it's been really upsetting."

Kenny Christie, director of Cinderella, said: "As the director of Cinderella, and someone who has been involved in panto since the age of nine, it was with a heavy heart I took the decision at this late stage to move forward without our junior ensemble.

"With the very concerning rise of the Omicron variant, this difficult decision was borne out of our desire to reduce the risk and protect everyone involved with the pantomime.

"The safety of the children, and their families, was paramount in our thinking.

"We can’t wait to welcome the kids back into future shows, hopefully during more normal times."