It’s official — the panto season is upon us.

And to celebrate, The Bolton News has linked up with sweet company Chewits to offer primary schools the chance to win an exclusive Christmas performance.

We’re inviting local schoolchildren to write in and tell us, in no more than 50 words, why they deserve a pantomime this Christmas.

In return, we will provide the winner with a 90-minute show featuring five trained actors and nine characters — with costumes and colourful sets — and some Chewits goodies to enjoy during the show.

More than 750 primary schools will enjoy a traditional Christmas pantomime this winter, thanks to Chewits.

The confectionery brand has joined up with established children’s touring theatre company Chaplins to provide three to 12-year-olds with two special productions: Dick Whittington and The Woodcutter and The Wolf.

Chaplins has been running pantos in schools for over 20 years. Each year, more than 25 troupes of budding actors tour the length and breadth of the UK, bringing pantomime and theatre to thousands of children.

For more information visit www.chewits.co.uk To enter, complete the coupon in Thursday's paper and attach a piece of paper, completing the following: ‘We deserve a Chewits Christmas pantomime because...” in not more than 50 words.

Entries must be received by December 12. Entrants must state three preferred dates between December 15 and January 30 for the performance.