MID-OCTOBER, but already Panto commitments are appearing in the diary.

In fact, last Friday there were some very confused looks on the faces of drivers and pedestrians in Swansea City Centre.

Actually there weren't too many confused or surprised looks as people have got very used to seeing me as Panto Dame around the area, promoting the show during the autumn months.

However, this was a very special appearance because as well as promoting this year's panto at the Grand I was supporting the City and County of Swansea Road Safety Team!

It was also a chance to show off a new Panto outfit as I was escorted on the West Way Pelican Crossing by Swansea's Road Safety Team mascot Rocky the Rooster.

For this year's Panto Schools Tour and for the show itself, the Road Safety team commissioned a new Panto frock as this year I play Britney, Cinderella's better looking Step Sister!

The dress was made by costume maker Beryl Thomas and is inspired by the theme of road safety.

Beryl has made a really great Panto Dame's costume!

It's a black and white frock just like the Zebra Crossing, which we should all use to cross the road.

Beryl has also used lots of red, amber and green, the all important colours of the Pelican Crossings.

Next week I'll be starting my 4th annual Panto Dame Schools Tour, promoting this year's Grand Theatre Panto with a little reminder of the importance of taking care on the roads of South West Wales.

Last year I visited over 30 schools and we had some great fun and I'm expecting more of the same this year!

We officially launched this year's panto last month at the Grand and that really was a fun day!

All the cast got together for the press call and then embarked in costume to an unsuspecting Swansea Market.

It was lovely to meet new friends and renew old friendships.

This year I'm teamed up with Frank Vickery to play Cinderella's Step Sisters, it's my 17th year in Panto and my eighth as Dame.