YORK panto star Martin Barrass opened an indoor reading garden for school children in the city.

Youngsters at Hob Moor Federation in Acomb dressed up as their favourite book characters to mark the occasion yesterday (Feb 3).

The opening coincided with the federation, which comprises mainstream and special primary schools, celebrating National Storytelling Week.

Children go through a magic doorway to enter the secret garden where they can have stories read to them or read books themselves.

The new creative space was funded by the Friends of Hob Moor Federation.

Sally Gordon, the group's chairwoman, said β€œIt’s been a very exciting Wednesday for Hob Moor.

"Everyone has got dressed up as a story character and met Martin Barrass from the pantomime in York.

"Martin has kindly given of his time to officially open the Reading Garden.”