Schools from across Tendring have been able to treat pupils to a festive pantomime thanks to a theatre grant scheme.

Clacton’s Princes Theatre collects donations year-round for its Theatre Access Fund, which provides grants to schools, youth and charity organisations to help people enjoy theatre who would otherwise be unable to do so.

The fund is particularly busy around panto time when it supports local schools in attending performances. Often while schools or parents can pay for the group discounted ticket rates, the cost of transport can be prohibitive – and so the Theatre Access Fund can step in to help.

Laura Khine, head teacher at Brightlingsea Junior School which this year had such a grant – along with support from local charity the Brightlingsea WinterFest Wellbeing Fund – said: “A trip to the panto is not just a fun day out for the children – though it is that too – but can often be their first experience of live theatre.

“As such this is an important cultural trip to help open pupils’ minds to the creative world of the arts.

“Our thanks go, as I am sure do all of the schools who benefit from the Theatre Access Grants, to the Princes Theatre – and crucially everyone who donates to the fund every year.”

This year’s panto at the Princes Theatre is Aladdin, staged by Anton Benson Productions.

Councillor Mick Barry, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm at Tendring District Council – which runs the Princes Theatre – added: “We want to help every child to experience the magic of pantomime, and theatre, which is why this fund exists.

“Our thanks go to every single theatre-goer who has donated to the Theatre Access Fund, and if you’re visiting the panto this season we would ask you to make a donation, if you can, to support children next year too.”