York's top panto dame Berwick Kaler took a break from rehearsals to open the St Leonard's Hospice Christmas shop today.

Berwick, who is preparing for Dick Whittington, his 22nd panto, was joined at the shop, at 11 Blake Street, by Martin Barrass, and Jane Heywood, who will play Dick.

Berwick, a celebrity friend of the hospice where he is a regular visitor, and an enthusiastic supporter of our Hospice 2000 Appeal, said: "You cannot put a price on the care and devotion of the staff of St Leonard's Hospice give their patients.

"I've seen it for myself and I cannot praise them highly enough. Please come along and support their Christmas shop this is just another way you can help the hospice."

For the fourth year running Oakgate Group plc have kindly given the hospice the use of one of their city centre premises to use for the Christmas season.

The shop in Blake Street will have all the basic Christmas goods you need, including wrapping paper and decorations and a selection of cards and gifts.

The shop will be open from 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, and a late night on Thursdays in the run-up to to Christmas, and will be staffed as always by hospice volunteers ready to help anxious shoppers tick items off their lists.

Helen Moreton, retail organiser for St Leonard's, said: "We are very grateful to Oakgate Group plc for their support each year.

"A shop in the centre is so convenient for our supporters and it's always great to know that Berwick is behind you."