THE cast of a pantomime being staged at a North-East theatre took time out from rehearsals to spread a little festive cheer among sick children.

Stars of Aladdin, which runs at Darlington Civic Theatre until January 12, spent Thursday (December 19) morning giving out presents at the children’s ward of Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The show features children’s TV favourites the Chuckle Brothers, who are to guest-edit the Christmas Eve edition of The Northern Echo.

For panto tickets, call the box office on 01325-486555.