Panto loving kids win big

Kirsten Wiles and Emma Lindley, both aged nine, of Greasbrough Primary School and four-year old Bradie Roberts, of Anston Park Junior School entered a pantomime-inspired drawing competition which would see the winners have their artwork displayed inside the First Bus fleet throughout the festive season.

After careful consideration, the pictures that the three girls submitted were chosen as the winning entries and, on Wednesday December 9, the artistic trio were presented with the finished advertisements by Angela Gardner of Rotherham Theatres at a very special ceremony.

When presented with her winning artwork, Bradie said: "I was very excited when I heard I had won. I got the idea for the picture by looking in a book and watching the film."

Kirsten echoed the sentiment: "I was really excited," she said. "It's scary thinking everyone will see my picture but I'm very proud of it.

"The panto was great. I liked the Michael Jackson bit the best."

Fellow winner Emma added: "I loved the panto too. The bit at the end where they got married was the best.

"I'm really excited that so many people will see my picture."

Rotherham Theatres Manager, Mark Scott, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who entered the competition for their fantastic pictures and the First Bus Group for allowing us to display them in their Rotherham fleet.

"The panto is a great family show and I can't think of any better way of celebrating its success than having its biggest fans being inspired by the performance and producing such festive works of art because of it.

"Congratulation to our three winners, their pictures are excellent and are sure to bring festive cheer to everyone who rides on the First Bus fleet."

Claire Waller, Business Development Manager at CBS Outdoor, who helped to organise the competition added: "This was a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters of Rotherham to express their creative skills, and we at CBS Outdoor are proud to be associated with this unique competition.

"Buses are an integral part of the community which makes them the ideal platform to showcase the winner's artwork."

If the competition winners have inspired you to see the biggest show in town, tickets are still available by calling the Box Office on 01709 823621 or by visiting Box Office, located in the Arts Centre and Central Library on Walker Place, in person.