AN Arts Centre is celebrating a fundraiser that helped schoolchildren visit the theatre over the festive period.

Over 200 local children were given a chance to visit the Queen's Hall Arts Centre in Hexham and thank customers who donated towards the venue's Theatre Ticket Fund at the end of last year.

The contributions meant that over 200 local children could see the venue's 2022 Christmas Production, the Wind in the Willows.

Queen's Hall worked with local schools and organisations, including Hexham First School, Wylam Brownies and Guides and the West Northumberland Food Bank, to distribute the tickets.

Justine Overton, headteacher at Hexham First School, said: "The children and staff had a wonderful time watching The Wind in the Willows at Queen's Hall.

"Thank you to Queen's Hall and the patrons for funding the tickets; what an amazing experience the children have had with your generosity!"

Wylam Brownies and Guides took to Twitter to show their thanks saying, "Thank you @QueensHall! Wylam Brownies and Guides had a wonderful time at The Wind in the Willows."

The fund also supported 14 families to see the show via the West Northumberland Food Bank and even provided an extra special birthday treat for one of the young children supported by the service.