PERK up your ears! A very special rabbit has spawned a new children's entertainment agency based in York.

Henrietta Rabbit Children's Entertainers Ltd has been launched by actor Stephanie Preacher at her home in Acomb Park, York.

She has become so successful as the lop-eared Henrietta that shehas gathered around her a number of other costumed clientele in the shape of the likes of magician-entertainer Rosie Rainbow and Crafty Ellie (who doubles as Fairy Ellie).

Also on Stephanie's books are magician-entertainer Beattie Bunnikins and her newest recruits, Magical Mania - Sandra and Bren - who provide themed parties using props and games as well as ventriloquist Punch and Judy specialist Barbara Ray.

Stephanie, who trained as an actor at London's Central School of Speech and Drama and worked in repertory theatre, radio, TV and film, took maternity leave - when she rediscovered the fun of children's parties.

She said: "All my artists have huge fan clubs of their own, but we really needed to formalise arrangements because we are doing more and more corporate work and this requires a corporate approach."

Past corporate events have included providing a "balloonologist" with entertainment for Nestl at York as well as Christmas parties for organisations like PricewaterhouseCooper and Hammonds solicitors.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, March 04, 2005