COUNTY councillors in Buckinghamshire waved a magic wand to fund panto trips for looked after children, to help them really get into the Christmas spirit.

Cllr Val Letheren, BCC's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, who persuaded councillors to contribute some of their Leadership Allowance to the panto fund. She raised £3,300, allowing 130 looked-after children, their carers and carers' children, to enjoy a panto trip to remember.

The County's two main theatres - Waterside in Aylesbury, and the Swan in High Wycombe - have joined in the season of goodwill, giving a generous discount on tickets.

Val Letheren said: "This is the season of goodwill and it's just great that the goodwill of my fellow councillors in their role of Corporate Parents will give these young people a day to remember. Life can be tough for some of our looked-after children and, as a mum who enjoyed these seasonal trips with my own children, I wanted them to have a really special Christmas memory. I wish them a fantastic time.

Any funds remaining from the panto collection went towards an event for older young people in care as well as Christmas hampers for those young people who have only recently left care and are in supported living.