POPULAR panto veteran Martin Barrass was presented with a number 21 York City shirt by manager Billy McEwan - to celebrate his milestone of performing in 21 pantomimes at York Theatre Royal.

Martin, who is currently appearing in Cinderella as ugly sister, Louise, alongside his great friend, Berwick Kaler, collected the kit at a ceremony at KitKat Crescent.

In a tribute to his loyal sidekick, Berwick said: "Twenty one pantomimes later, and I can honestly say he is not only a gifted and talented actor in his own right, but is the best feed' I've ever worked with.

"I have never had an argument with the little fella and I count my blessings every time he agrees to do another season as my sidekick in our annual rubbish'. He has served the York Theatre Royal pantomime well, and deserves all the accolades that can be heaped on him for surviving 21 of them.

"When I first set eyes on him back in 1984, I knew he had the greatest asset you need for panto - instant likeability."