HERALDING the start of 2002 are panto stars Berwick Kaler and Richard Ashton, currently starring in Jack and the Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal in York.

While the rest of us enjoy the New Year break, the hard-working duo were appearing in two shows today and will be on stage again for another two performances tomorrow.

But ever-popular dame Berwick took time out from his hectic schedule to share his New Year message with Evening Press readers.

"Let's put the love back into the world and if we have a laugh on the way, so much the better," he said.

Berwick who will be performing in the pantomime until February, said his own New Year's resolution would have to be not to drop litter in the streets.

Jack and the Beanstalk is running until February 2 and the Grand Opera House production of Dick Whittington runs until January 6.

Updated: 10:14 Monday, December 31, 2001