CHILDREN with special educational needs from two Basingstoke schools had a great time as they booed, hissed, laughed, cheered and then met the cast of Cinderella at The Anvil – thanks to The Gazette and Anvil Arts.

As sponsors of the Anvil Arts pantomime, Cinderella, The Gazette had 100 free tickets – and, with Anvil Arts, it was decided to give these to children at Saxon Wood School, in Rooksdown, Basingstoke, and Maple Ridge School, in Maple Crescent, Basingstoke.

After the show, the kids were asked to stay behind but they didn’t mind – because they got to meet members of the cast, including Anna Williamson and Jamie Rickers, presenters of ITV’s Toonattik, who are starring as Cinderella and Buttons.

Lynne Cannon, head teacher at Saxon Wood School – a special school for children with physical disabilities and complex medical needs – said: “The children had a wonderful time and what really made their day was just when they were about to leave, they were told that the cast would like to meet them, and they came out and talked to the children.

“The pupils loved the show and they were very well behaved – a credit to the school.”

Thirty pupils from Maple Ridge School, for children with complex learning difficulties, went to the same performance with their families.

Jane Brace, deputy head teacher at the school, said: “We wanted to make it a family-oriented event and encouraged parents and grandparents to go and take siblings too.

“Our school is very much about looking after the whole family and it was a very special day for them.”

Mark Jones, editor of The Gazette, said: “The Gazette and Anvil Arts were delighted to be able to give these youngsters the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of seeing this fantastic panto, and we are delighted that they had such a good time.”