YOUNGSTERS enjoyed Nationwide's annual pantomime at the building society's headquarters on Pipers Way.

Around 250 Nationwide staff and their loved ones watched the production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears on Monday with eight specially-invited families who are supported by hospice charity Jessie May.

Jo brought her children to the panto, including three-year-old Poppy, who has a life-limiting form of cerebral palsy.

Jo said: "She loves anything noisy and colourful.

"Everyone feels involved with events like this and we're really looking forward to the pantomime.

"We've been with Jessie May for six months and the staff are fantastic.

"Having this support available is amazing, it's a wonderful resource and they really need more funding."

Debbie Clark from Jessie May said: "This is a great event for the whole family, not just the children that Jessie May care for but their parents and siblings too.

"It is also a great opportunity for the families we help, who are from all over Wiltshire, to get together, meet up, have conversations and feel included.

"Everyone was so excited, they couldn't wait for it to start.

"It's also opened up a relationship between Jessie May and Nationwide, one of the biggest businesses in the area, which is wonderful for us.

"Jessie May Nurses help make treasured memories for our children and families.

"We are so grateful to Nationwide for staging this pantomime and helping us do just that.

"To everyone involved, thank you, you are helping us make a great start to the festivities."

Patrick O'Farrell, Head of Facilities Management at Nationwide, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the Jessie May Trust and if this gesture makes a small positive difference to this wonderful charity and the families they support, then we couldn’t be happier."

Chaplins Pantos put the production together and Father Christmas made a surprise appearance near the end, with real reindeer and a snow machine making a mini winter wonderland by the headquarters' entrance.

Shelter also set up a stall selling snacks to raise money for their cause.

This is Jessie May's first Christmas supporting families in the Swindon area.

The charity provides vital respite care, emotional support, end of life care and bereavement support, and organises events for the families to spend precious time with each other.

Jessie May is one of Mayor of Swindon Maureen Penny’s chosen charities.

Mayor Penny said "I am ecstatic that Nationwide have supported my charity.

"This small charity does a fantastic job and this will be a boost to people’s awareness of what they achieve."