CHILDREN enjoyed some belated festive cheer, thanks to News Shopper and Greenwich Theatre.

We teamed up with the theatre in Crooms Hill, Greenwich, to give 160 children the chance to watch its production of Aladdin for free.

Last month we reported how children on the Coldharbour Estate, Mottingham, were left devastated after conman David Cooper failed to deliver the Christmas presents and party he had promised them.

But News Shopper and the theatre stepped in to provide 80 free panto tickets for the youngsters.

We also gave another 80 tickets to two hospices St Christopher's, in Sydenham, and the Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice.

Theatre spokesman James Haddrell said: "We are delighted we could work with News Shopper to make this happen and hope the children had a fun night."