PANTO star Martin Barrass was helping youngsters celebrate the opening of their new play area yesterday.

With Berwick Kaler, Mr Barrass is one of the main attractions at the pantomime at York Theatre Royal, and this year he will be appearing in the show Babbies in the Wood. He took time off from rehearsals to visit Woodthorpe Primary School, in York.

The new playground for the reception class, which takes children aged between three and five, includes a climbing frame and slide.

Foundation stage co-ordinator Tesny Morsch said: "Everyone had a wonderful day and Martin stayed with us for the afternoon.

"I think a lot more of the grown-ups recognised him than the children - but he is such a great character that they loved having him here."