A PANTOMIME staged by Codicote pubgoers has helped raise more than �3,400 for a hospital which cares for physically disabled, elderly and stroke patients.

Comedian Johnny Tait, who wrote and directed Cinderella, at the Welwyn Civic Centre, said: “I couldn’t believe the amount raised.

“We only did two performances, all in one day, we never expected anything like that.

“It was fantastic,” he said.

All of the funds collected by the show, performed by the Goat Players – an am-dram group named after their local pub in Codicote – will be sent to the Danesbury and Queen Victoria Memorial (QVM) Hospital in Welwyn.

Johnny, a former Butlin’s Redcoat, said the School Lane hospital was a worthy recipient.

“It continues to offer an ongoing home for people, and to offer respite care for people with a neurological problem and complex health care needs.

“The QVM provides for patients who need rehabilitation following a stay in an acute hospital. I’m sure you will agree that this local public service deserves our support.”

A total of �3,416 was raised by the shows, which were rehearsed in the back room of the pub and had 45 people playing a role to get it set up.