The Forum in Barrow has announced that it will host a Christmas panto - despite the closure of its theatre due to the discovery of asbestos.

Westmorland and Furness Council confirmed that asbestos had been detected at the site back in July.

Further surveys have confirmed that the theatre area will need to be closed while specialist work is undertaken to remove the asbestos.

This means that the theatre at The Forum will remain closed for up to six months from the end of August.

But this hasn’t stopped The Forum from confirming the town's Christmas Pantomime.

Barrow Panto took to social media to announce that 'Christmas is not cancelled' and said ‘the show must go’.

(Image: Barrow Forum)

AFacebook post said: “We’ve all been working VERY hard behind the scenes the last two weeks to ensure The Forum theatre Barrow still has a Christmas Pantomime and we are pleased to report.. we’ve done it!”

The show will be a ‘little different’ this year as it cannot be held in the main theatre.

Barrow Panto said: “We’re embracing that and this year we will be offering an incredibly magical, immersive Christmas Pantomime theatrical experience like never seen before in Barrow!

“Hold tight just a little longer, an exciting announcement will be departing for Barrow very soon!”