Hundreds of people in challenging circumstances were able to enjoy the magic of panto at the Customs House in South Tyneside thanks to the Hays Travel Foundation.

More than 400 tickets for the North East’s Most Entertaining Pantomime – The Lambton Worm were donated to underprivileged or disabled children and their families.

They were chosen through different charities and schools in the area, and through applicants to the foundation.

John Hays, managing director of Hays Travel and co-founder of the Hays Travel Foundation, said: “For over a decade, Hays Travel have sponsored the Christmas pantomime at The Customs House and it is a great event.

“We wanted to give families who don’t normally have the resources the chance to have this experience. We did this through the Hays Travel Foundation. It was a fantastic afternoon, filled with lots of fun and laughter.”

The South Shields-based Charlie Cookson Foundation, which supports parents of children with life-limiting conditions, was one of the charities invited to the event.

Joanne Nicholson, fundraising and events manager, said: “We cannot thank the Hays Travel Foundation enough for giving our families the opportunity to attend this year’s pantomime at The Customs House.

“Christmas is always such a tough time of year for our families, with some spending it in hospital, so to be able to offer this to them was just amazing. Each family who attended had a fantastic time and enjoyed every bit of the day.”

Fiona Martin, Deputy Director - Learning and Participation at The Customs House, said: “We were really delighted that Hays Travel Foundation generously gave the opportunity for children and families to be able to see our pantomime, especially those experiencing challenging circumstances, and were delighted to have the support of the Hays Travel Foundation.”