A DAUGHTER is paying a moving tribute to her late dad – by stepping into his panto dame shoes.

Old Gourock and Ashton Players performer Morven Lyle will take to the stage in a role that her dad Eddy made his own.

The larger-than-life character played it for laughs and entertained audiences down the years as a leading light on the local panto scene.

Sadly he passed away two years ago this month, but his devoted daughter is now making sure that the show – and his memory – goes on.

Morven is following in his footsteps by starring as Ma Kipling in Hansel and Gretel, and says she has taken the role in his memory.

Morven, who works at Abbey Vets in Greenock, said: “It will be very special.

“My dad’s shoes are really big ones to fill, but I know he will watching over us.

“Everybody loved him and he played the panto dame for years.

“We needed a dame this year and I decided to step in.

“I have learned a lot from watching my dad for all those years.

“I think once I get the first laugh, I will relax.”

Panto star Eddy died aged 69 in December 2014 after battling illness.

His love of performing and the Old Gourock Players has rubbed off on his family, and he is a local legend in the town.

Back in 1996, Eddy had a major heart bypass operation, but only a few months later was back in action in his regular role as the dame.

From the age of ten, Morven starred in the pantomime and the spring show, alongside with her mum, also Morven, and her dad.

She said: “It was something that we all did together. We have been involved for the last 26 years in one way or another.

“People have been so supportive of the panto and it has become a tradition with us.”

The Old Gourock and Ashton Players show is an institution during the festive season and, in memory of her late father, Morven and her mum are determined to keep the panto alive as it closes in on its golden jubilee.

She said: “It is a lot of hard work. We start planning in July and then there are the rehearsals.

“There is so much on for people at Christmas as well, but we have a lot of very loyal people who support us.”

This year they have chosen Hansel and Gretel, putting their own spin on the classic fairytale.

In another nod to her dad, Eddy starred in their last Hansel and Gretel panto back in 2003.

Morven, who lives with her mum in Rodney Road, added: “People know that it is an amateur production that we put everything into, and whenthings go wrong, everyone just laughs it off. People love it.

“We are always well-supported by the church and the organisations like the Sunbeams, the Brownies and the Guides.”

This year Morven is delighted to be joined by talented youngsters Seth McGuigan playing Hansel, Jemma Stewart and Lolly Galbraith, sharing the role as Gretel.

In all, 30 people, including cast and crew, are involved in staging the show.

Morven added: “They are all brilliant.”

Old Gourock Ashton Parish Players’ panto runs until Saturday in the church halls, with a performance in the evening at 7.30pm, and a matinee on Saturday at 1pm.

The last show takes place on Saturday at 5pm. Tickets are priced £7 and £5.

To book a seat, contact the players on 713406.