THERE’S a new hand holding the baton for the orchestra at this year’s Keighley Amateurs pantomime.

Geoff Garrett has taken on the role of musical director for Jack And The Beanstalk following the retirement of long-serving John Sandland.

Geoff lives in Skipton and has played with many local societies as a band member and taken on the MD role with Skipton Musical Theatre and Embsay Pantomime Group.

He plays various instruments including piano, double bass and trumpet.

Keighley Amateurs spokesman David Brett said: “By day Geoff works for the Yorkshire Dales National Park as the Senior Trees and Woodland Officer.

“He is keen to emphasise that the management of beanstalks is not part of his current responsibilities!"

Jack And The Beanstalk runs from Saturday to Saturday, January 28 to February 4. Visit keighleyamateurs.com or call 08456 252550 to book tickets.