LONG-RUNNING pantomime dame Berwick Kaler surprised shoppers when he rolled into Tesco on Tadcaster Road.

Mr Kaler, who is appearing for the 35th time as the panto star, posed in a shopping trolley full of 700 wagon wheels ahead of Aladdin and the Twankeys which opens at York Theatre Royal on December 12.

The wagon wheels were donated by Tesco in support of the show, and Mr Kaler’s choice of confectionery will be thrown off stage – now a tradition for the 67-year-old’s act.

Janine Hopkins of Tesco said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be supporting Berwick and the cast of this year’s pantomime Aladdin and the Twankeys.

For Tescos we are extremely passionate about supporting all the traditions of a family Christmas and for many here in York that includes a visit to York Theatre Royal’s legendary pantomime.

“Mr Kaler is Britain’s longest-running dame and has been called “panto’s biggest asset” while last year’s show was described as “pantomime entertainment at its best.”

Tickets for the show can be purchased at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk and are £10 to £26.50, with concessions and off-peak tickets available.