PANTOMIME fun in a village hall was tinged with sadness as the actors remembered a missing member of the cast, writes PETE BLENCH.

Jimmy Johns, 30, a popular member of the Leominster-based ECHO drama group for people with learning disabilities, was taken ill suddenly last November and died in hospital at Birmingham.

Jimmy was due to play one of the 40 Thieves in 'Aladdin.' He was just three weeks into rehearsals with his friends in the group when the tragedy occurred.

Last week, members of the 32-strong cast and their backstage helpers dedicated their three performances at Kingsland's Coronation Hall to Jimmy.

Before each show a member of the troupe gave a personal on-stage tribute to her missing friend. Betty Gooch, who has learning difficulties, lived in the same group house at Jimmy.

The panto programme also carried a photograph and tribute and a large Chinese symbol representing the horse - Jimmy's greatest love was horse riding.

He first lived at Windsor Place, Leominster, and later in a group home at Lawton Marsh. He was a well-known figure around Leominster because he loved to stop and chat to people.

Entertainment was another enthusiasm. ECHO charity worker and show director, Michael Chappelow, said Jimmy had given a great performance in the group's last panto, Snow White. He was also a member of the associated Ace Dance Group and had performed at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre.

"Jimmy is sadly missed by us all and his many other friends and carers," said Mr Chappelow.

Jimmy's tribute show, which included lavish costumes and a mixed cast of people with and without learning difficulties, was a huge success. There was a full house on all three nights.

Mr Chappelow added: "The team spirit was amazing. There were no let-downs anywhere and there were lots of positive comments from local people who enjoyed themselves."