VISUALLY impaired Martha Shakespeare, nine, from Otley, joined over 170 other children who are blind or partially sighted, with their families and school groups, for a backstage tour of James and the Giant Peach, at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, on Friday, January 16.

Organised by Action for Blind People and LTT Vending, Martha met the cast and was invited to wear some of the costumes and touch the props used in the play.

Action for Blind People organises activities and events, including Actionnaires clubs, giving children with sight loss opportunities to take part in social activities, whilst encouraging friends and families to get involved.

Martha said: “I really enjoyed the play and dressing up in the costumes.”

James Carey, from Action for Blind People, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to LTT Vending for sponsoring the event and providing goodie bags for all the children. They had a great time enjoying James and the Giant Peach. It was a perfect way for them to make friends and get involved in something exciting and different.

“Action for Blind People is committed to helping young people with sight loss develop and achieve their potential through social opportunities and new experiences. This backstage tour will stay in their memories for a long time.”

For more information about Action for Blind People’s local Actionnaires clubs, visit www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/children or contact James Carey on 0113 386 2800 or email james.carey@actionforblindpeople.org.uk