A CHRISTMAS pantomime is to raise money for a children's charity.

The Children's Foundation is this year's nominated charity for Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, at Sunderland's Empire Theatre, which features television presenter Danielle Nicholls and Aaron Bayley, a top ten finalist in ITV's Pop Idol programme.

The charity, which aims to improve the health and well-being of children in the region, will benefit from the proceeds of 1,000 tickets for the performance on Friday, January 10. Collections organised by Empire staff at the end of each performance will also go to the charity.

Dominic Stokes, general manager of the Empire, said: "Panto time is a special time of year for children and, hopefully, between ourselves, the audience and the Children's Foundation, we can make a real difference."

Tickets are available at the reduced price of £12.50. To book, contact Colin Best at The Children's Foundation, on 0191-202 3003.