Fundraisers collected nearly £5,000 for a children’s hospice at Mansfield Palace Theatre’s pantomime last Christmas — bringing the total raised over six years to £33,157.

Peter Pan audiences donated £4,982 for the hospice at Bluebell Wood, North Anston, which cares for children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions.

The theatre’s cultural services manager, Andrew Tucker, said: “The theatre and hospice share similar aims. Both are places filled with laughter and love, giving families the chance to relax, take a break and have fun. We are proud that working together has seen £33,157 raised at panto performances.”

Melanie Rose, community fundraiser at Bluebell Wood, said: “The theatre, its audiences and our Mansfield fundraisers have raised a fantastic amount.”

The theatre has hosted volunteers and families from Bluebell Wood at relaxed performances of pantomimes, helping to create specifically-adapted shows for children with autistic spectrum conditions, sensory and communication disorders and learning disabilities and other conditions.

To help Bluebell Wood visit www.bluebellwood.org