THEATRE bosses helped put some extra sparkle into the lives of foster children with a spectacular night out at the panto.

Harrogate Theatre joined forces with Fostering North Yorkshire and invited more than 100 foster carers and foster children to their production of Sleeping Beauty.

North Yorkshire County Council looks after more than 400 young people, from teenagers in care after a family breakdown to younger children needing a new home after abuse or neglect.

Theatre chief executive David Bown said: "It's a privilege and an honour to be able to provide an opportunity for so many foster children to experience what is a magical experience and hopefully one that will remain with them."

The authority's executive member with responsibility for children, Caroline Patmore, said: "Caring for children is very demanding and involves a great deal of commitment, but I know from the foster families I meet, that there is a great sense of personal fulfilment and something like this just helps us to show our appreciation to them."

Fostering North Yorkshire welcomes enquiries from anyone regardless of age, background or personal circumstances and in return they are now able to offer allowances of up to £14,474 for some teenage placements.

For more details, contact 0800-3892362.