JACK and his mother Dame Foxy Trot from this year's Corn Exchange panto in Newbury were joined by the Baron and his daughter Jill at Sheepdrove Organic Farm, in a bid to save their own ailing business.

Taking the loveable Daisy with them and keeping an eye out for the nasty Stinkwort, the family was taking advice about going organic from the professional farmers based at the Lambourn estate.

"We're close to breaking point," said Dame Foxy.

"If we don't think of something quick we may be forced to sell our dear Daisy. Old Squasher the Giant has given us just a few days to come up with the rent and what little we've got won't fetch much at market," she continued.

After a tour of the new Kindersley centre and a look around the grounds, the group stopped briefly for the press before being whisked off back to their home in Much Capering on the Kennet.

The full story of the family's plight can, of course, be seen in Jack and the Beanstalk, the traditional family pantomime, which opened last Friday.

This year's show, directed by Cal McCrystal and written by Roy Hudd, features David Benson, who has appeared at Central Studio in Think No Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams and Haunted Stage, and Justin McCarron among its stars.

Tickets, priced from £12, with a selection of discounts for individuals, groups and schools available, can be purchased from the box office on 01635 522733 or online at www.cornexchangenew.com