CONGRATULATIONS to all the Yorkshire recipients of awards in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours, as well as Esther Rantzen and Joan Collins, who are made Dames. Surely though, there is one name missing from the honours list who is already a Dame…..the incomparable Berwick Kaler.

Although a serious actor, Berwick has brought joy to thousands of families with his wonderful Christmas pantomimes at the Theatre Royal for the past 36 years, that he has written, directed and starred in.

Christmas would not have been Christmas if we had not taken our children to see his unforgettable performances year after year – and not forgetting his great side-kicks, Martin Barrass and David Leonard.

We have watched our children’s lives develop through his annual York pantomime as, like many York families, we used to meet our friends with their children for a Christmas treat.

It seems a pity that those who make us laugh – one of life’s greatest gifts – do not seem to be recognised as they should be, and I hope this is corrected in the new year before the final curtain comes down for Berwick.

A Queen’s honour would be fitting to a man who is adored and respected in his adopted city, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to theatre.

Keith Massey Bishopthorpe, York