YORK pantomime star Berwick Kaler took centre stage at the grand opening of the new clinical building at York Hospital.

The £7.7 million hospital wing is home to the new eye department, the diabetes and endocrine centre and the medical illustration department.

Patients have been using the facilities since August, and Berwick, who is rehearsing for Mother Goose's Silver Jubilee at the Theatre Royal, unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening yesterday.

He joked with patients and staff who had gathered at the new department and he was presented with some chains of office - made out of chocolate Wagon Wheels - and a special cake before enjoying a tour.

He was also presented with a £100 cheque for the department by York youngster Dominic Houlison, 13, who raised £100 in a sponsored slim.

Updated: 10:54 Thursday, December 04, 2003