PANTO stars stepped off stage to give elderly residents a taste of this year’s festive offering in the comfort of their own home.

Cast members Deena Payne and Syd Little were among the Sleeping Beauty players from the York Grand Opera House production who visited Highfield Care Home, which is part of Barchester Healthcare, in Barkston Ash, near Tadcaster, on Tuesday.

Richard Sweeting, social care and activities co-ordinator, said: “The cast of the panto made my dream come true. As activities co-ordinator I would love to take all my residents to the panto but because not all of them are well enough to travel I rang them to see if they could bring it here, and they’ve made my dream come true.

“The residents really enjoyed it as well. It’s all about making them smile, and when I see that, it makes my day.”