HALTON HOUSING TRUST showed it had a heart this Christmas by saving a local panto.

The largest provider of social housing in the borough made an eleventh hour donation to Halton Entertainment and Art Regional Theatre School (HEARTS) ensuring the curtain was not called on its annual panto.

Last week the Trust joined the cast and crew of the Widnes-based theatre school at the opening night of this year’s pantomime Puss in Boots to handover a cheque for £2,200 to top up show funds.

The money was donated from the Trust’s Community Sponsorship Fund and came as a welcome boost to HEARTS after a previous application for funding had failed.

Louis Neeves, co-founder and vice-chair of HEARTS, said: “When we found out we had we received the funding we took in a big intake of breath, it was a huge relief. It was a bit touch and go this year. Halton Housing Trust has really come to our rescue.

“If we had not received this money we would have had to make the difficult decision of whether we actually run this year’s panto because it would have left us with no funds and in a very difficult situation next year.

“We’re delighted to have received such a generous donation from the Trust which has allowed the show to go on. Everyone at the school would like to say a big thank you.”

HEARTS was formed in 2000 with the aim of getting young people involved in arts and entertainment and providing an alternative to the temptation of getting mixed up in anti-social behaviour.

Ann Macfarlane, a Board Member of Halton Housing Trust and a HEARTS volunteer, who handed over the cheque, said: “The Trust has leant its support to HEARTS because we knew it was a worthwhile organisation that is bringing arts and entertainment to the local community.

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people and adults so enthusiastic about putting on their own production and giving something back to the community where they live. This is exactly the kind of community group that the Trust is keen to support through its Community Sponsorship Fund.”

HEARTS is run by a 16-strong management group and has 75 members ranging in age from three-years-old to adults. Puss in Boots was performed at Upton Community Centre, Widnes, last week.

The Trust has committed £25,000 a year to be made available over the next four years from a Community Sponsorship Fund which has been introduced by the Trust for the first time this year.  The fund has been made possible after a generous donation of £100,000 from the Trust’s funders - Lloyds TSB.