THE worthy winners of the Evening Press Kool Kidz competition have enjoyed an extremely cool night out - at a sneak preview of the Theatre Royal pantomime, Babbies In The Wood.

The kids were all nominated for an award for their contributions to the community, their extreme selflessness or bravery in the face of adversity, illness or family problems.

They won four tickets each and so the Theatre Royal's foyer was last night buzzing with excited young voices, all keen to see the hugely popular panto.

Regan Barker, four, was nominated for his award by mum Tonya for his bravery in the face of a rare eating disorder. "I am really excited," he said.

Mum-of-three Tonya said Regan thought the Theatre Royal panto, which stars Berwick Kaler, was a family night out every Christmas.

She said: "We love it. I don't know who is more excited, me or them."

Charlotte Simpson, six, was nominated for an award by the Evening Press.

Charlotte, of Wilberfoss, near Pocklington, phoned her grandma for help and ran round to the neighbours when mum Rachel fell down the stairs and was knocked out.

Rachel said: "She is an angel, a clever, clever girl. We come to the panto here every year so to come before it has officially opened is brilliant."

Theatre Royal spokeswoman Julie Edwards said: "It is a pleasure to have the children along, they have all done very special things and more than deserve this night out.

"We hope they have a great time."

The pantomime starts its official run today.

Updated: 11:54 Wednesday, December 11, 2002