This year's Pantomime Evening has been saved thanks to the Observer's campaign and your generous donations.

Pinner's much-loved event, which is heading into its 16th year, will definitely go ahead on November 27, thanks largely to personal contributions and a £2,000 pledge from The Pinner Association.

The group, which represents residents in the village, came forward with the cash this week to help fund the traditional Christmas lights - alleviating fears the event would not go ahead.

Cynthia Wells, a committee member of the association, said: "We're delighted to say that the Pantomime Evening is definitely on. The event has become like an institution in Pinner and there is such a wonderful feel about it, so we are grateful for the Observer's campaign which has made an important contribution."

Traders and residents helped to raise nearly £3,000, and the latest donation means the minimum amount needed for the event has now been met.

But while the show will now definitely go ahead, Sharon Pink, of the Pinner Pantomime Committee, is keen to let people know that their efforts to raise funds should by no means come to an end.

She said: "Although we now have the money to put on the event, which is great, we don't want people to rest on their laurels, and we still expect people to stay true to their pledges.

"We set out a target of £7,000 for the event and we are still looking for donations to get us nearer that amount.

"We are of course incredibly grateful for the contribution of the Observer and The Pinner Association, but money is still needed."

This point has been noted by Alex Singer and her mother Sue, who have been doing their bit to raise money for the event. Northwood College student Alex, 16, encouraged her mum to make a personal donation to the panto after she announced she was setting up a fundraiser with friends.

Alex said: "We are going to sell cakes, sweets and fruit juices at lunchtime today (Thursday) and I hope we can raise a lot of money to help save the panto."

* To donate money to the campaign contact Sharon Pink at sharon@screenidol.co.uk , pop into HSBC in Love Lane, Pinner, to make a pledge, or joing our Save Pinner's Christmas Facebook group.