HERE is game for a laugh mayor David Cox in his latest role as ugly sister for a production of Cinderella.

The Labour councillor and town's ceremonial leader is swapping his chain of office for a feather boa, full make-up, frilly dress and tights to take his place in the line up for Pinehurst People Centre's Christmas panto, Cinderella.

Show producer Shena Price said the mayor embraced his role as ugly sister Morticia with relish, joking: "I think he's a natural cross-dresser."

She said: "He actually asked if he could join in.

"The panto started off as a suggestion from the manager as a bit of team building and to promote our services.

"The mayor heard about it and said he wouldn't mind taking part. He was open to anything but I could just see him as an ugly sister."

She said the only problem with having the mayor on the cast has been persuading him to learn his lines.

"It's been hard because he is so busy.

"He's cheated by writing his lines on all sorts of things like his fan and a magazine. So for the audience it's going to be a case of spotting where the mayor has his lines written."

Coun Cox admits missing on a few rehearsals because of council business, but is hoping to put in a good performance.

He said: "I have refused to shave my beard off, although the mayoress does a good job of covering it up with make up.

"The worst thing about it is having to wear tights.

"Us men aren't used to wearing anything so restrictive and although I have worn them before to keep me warm when I go fishing, this is really a new experience."

It's not the first time Swindon's intrepid mayor has donned strange attire for a good cause.

Last month, he put on scuba gear to publicise diving lessons available at Wootton Bassett's Lime Kiln Leisure Centre.

And to highlight problems faced by the blind on World Sight Day he ate lunch blindfolded at Rudi's Bar in Swindon.

Coun Cox has also tried his hand at abseiling, supermarket trolley collecting and working as a chef during his period of office.

He said: "It is great fun and I don't mind making a fool of myself, especially if it is for a good cause."

Thursday's show will include a guest appearance from local community beat policeman Paul Phelps in the role of The Baron.

He was dropping into the centre on one of his regular calls when staff roped him into the panto cast.

All 150 tickets are already sold out for the show.