THERE will be no damsels in distress waiting to be rescued by Prince Charming when Shrek The Third arrives in cinemas next year - this time it's all about the fairytale heroines fighting back.

Having grossed almost $2 billion worldwide in the first two films of the animated franchise, Shrek will return for another big-screen adventure in June 2007.

This time the happily married ogre (Mike Myers) sets out in search of Princess Fiona’s (Cameron Diaz) rebellious cousin Artie – voiced by Justin Timberlake – the rightful heir to the throne.

While Shrek’s away, his wife is left alone to fend off a coup d’etat launched by the vengeful Prince Charming (Rupert Everett).

As this exclusive first-look image shows, Fiona enlists the help of fairytale superstars Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty in a storybook display of girl power.

Timberlake will star alongside real-life girlfriend Diaz as a new addition to the cast in Shrek The Third, while Antonia Banderas and Eddie Murphy will reprise their original roles.