The show had to go on for panto star Kelly Blaylock - despite putting her hand through a glass panel just hours before her performance, writes Paul Warner,

The plucky 12-year-old, who was playing Snow White, needed several stitches in her left arm and suffered a gash across her nose when she tried to stop a door blowing shut.

But just three hours later she was back on stage in front of a packed audience for the show put on by the Arncott Players.

Kelly, of Woodpeace Road, Arncott, said: "I was worried that the doctor would send me to the John Radcliffe Hospital and I would miss the show. But luckily he didn't." The determined youngster, who attends Cooper School in Bicester, added: "I wasn't going to miss it for anything!"

The accident happened last Friday at her aunt's house when she put her hand out to stop the door from slamming.

Her parents rushed her to Montgomery House surgery, in Bicester, and she was seen by a doctor at 5.30pm.

But within an hour the talented actress was back in the village hall getting her make up done ready for the curtain up at 7.30pm.

Show director Christine Dunkin described her performance as "marvellous". She said: "Many people wouldn't have performed in the circumstances, but Kelly was very determined. She did very well."

Her mum Pauline added: "I'm very proud of her."

The accident happened just before the second day's performance so Kelly was able to do the final night's show as well.

Story date: Wednesday 29 December

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