FIVE-time gold-medalist Ellie Simmonds OBE was a massive hit when she guest starred in the Aberdyfi Players’ panto.

Parylympic swimmer Ellie joined the cast on stage in Neuadd Dyfi during their performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.

To the surprise of the audience, Ellie appeared on stage with some of the cast for several minutes, causing great laughter throughout the hall, especially when she quipped to the acting dwarves on stage with her,” Call yourselves Dwarfs.”

After a huge ovation Ellie left the stage with a wave to everybody and went back to her seat to watch the rest of the show.

“It was great fun ” Ellie said of her role on stage. “I went backstage before the start of the performance and there was such a lovely atmosphere amongst all the cast and backstage crew.

“I absolutely adore Aberdyfi Players’ pantomimes. I have been coming to watch as many as I can since I was a child, so to actually be a part of the performance was brilliant.

"I really enjoyed the whole show, it was definitely one of the best I have seen.

“I love coming to Aberdyfi to catch up with family and friends, there is a great community spirit here which is certainly evident in the brilliant shows Aberdyfi Players put on every year.”

Jan Rajput, Ellie’s aunt and Aberdyfi Players’ costume designer said: “I love it whenever Ellie manages to get the time to visit. As she said, she has known Aberdyfi since she was a child and has many friends here.

“There were plenty of loud cheers throughout the performance last night, but I think the audience gave their loudest cheers and warmest reception to Ellie.”