NEIGHBOURS heartthrob Stonefish paid a flying visit to Preston to promote his Christmas panto - and appealed to grannies to book their tickets!

The Aussie hunk, real name Anthony Engleman, 23, will play the lead role in Dick Whittington at the Guild Hall over the festive period and wants to attract a wide audience.

"Most of the young girls here seem really sweet but I hope that they being their grandmothers as well. I want all the guys to come too," he stressed.

Anthony, whose hobbies include football, swimming and playing guitar, was in the town for just one day before jetting back to his Melbourne home.

He described the trip to Preston as an eye opener: "It is an interesting place, very different from back home. I can't wait to come back."

Anthony, whose character is secretly dating beauty Annalise in the top Aussie soap, has been in the country since June 17 for a number of TV and public appearances, said that the opportunity of doing panto would 'put another string on my bow'.

Keily Hampson, who plays Alice Fitzwarren in the show said: "I have never met Anthony before but he is very friendly and it should be a good show.

"It makes a difference that he is down to earth and no doubt he is going to be a big hit with the girls," she added.

Guild Hall manager John Shedwick admitted that Anthony's appearance would be good for business:

"We are delighted that Anthony's character in Neighbours is currently so high profile and it looks like becoming even more prominent in the story-line as the months go by. This is excellent news for ticket sales."

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