A CHARITY which helps underprivileged youngsters enjoy treats others take for granted is celebrating the start of its 125th year by taking children from care homes to the pantomime.

Bradford Cinderella Club is reviving its traditional Christmas Treats scheme when children were taken to the Odeon cinema or panto every year to mark the special anniversary.

Almost 100 children and their carers from across the district will see Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at The Alhambra in January and February.

John Atkinson, Cinderella Club’s honorary secretary, said: "We contacted Bradford Children’s Services to ask what would put smiles on children’s faces this Christmas and David Byrom [Group Services Manager] straight away said, 'the panto!' and reminded us of the Christmas Treats Bradford Cinderella Club held every year."

The ChristmasTreats were popular in the 1960s and 1970s and Mr Atkinson said children were already excited about next year's panto visit.

"They're really, really excited about it. They know they're going and they're looking forward to it, from the littlest one through to the oldest one as well," he said.

Bradford Cinderella Club was supported by donations from people from across the city, including those who went on Cinderella Club’s Christmas Treats trips

trips as children.

"We are hugely grateful to the support we get from the generous people across Bradford who have dug deep at a difficult time to give these kids something to smile about this Christmas," Mr Atkinson said.

"Bradford Cinderella Club is especially grateful to two large donors - Butterfield Signs in Sunbridge Road, which donated 50 tickets, and Pole Position Indoor Karting in Leeds, which donated £300.

"Their kindness and the kindness of the people of Bradford ensured that every child got a ticket and an ice cream at the interval.”

A spokesman at Pole Position, which was founded in Bradford, said: "As a venue hosting numerous charity events each year, along with working with some of Bradford's underprivileged youth groups, we recognise that everyone deserves to have some fun and excitement at this time of year."

Bradford Cinderella Club supports schools, youth groups, sports teams and community organisations to make sure that no child is left behind because of difficulties in paying for trips and treats. Every Easter it provides an egg for every child in a children's home in Bradford.

Its anniversary year will start with the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Mike Gibbons, thanking the club for more than a century's hard work and dedication at a full meeting of Bradford Council.

There will be a number of events over the year to celebrate its work, including a murder mystery night, a fair for children who raise money and a magical ball.

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