Art and crafts hero Phil Gallagher - aka CBeebies’ Mister Maker - has taken time out from his hectic Christmas schedule to meet a thrilled group of fans.

Phil, who is an honorary patron of the KM Charity Team - which provides green travel and literacy services for schools - is currently starring in the hit pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. But he didn’t hesitate to take a break between performances at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury to congratulate five primary school children on their dedication to green travel.

The lucky youngsters were Joe Enever, eight, Lois Anderson Sambucci, seven, her sister Betsy, four, Martha Curry, nine, and Jacob Lipscombe, seven, all of Blean Primary School, Canterbury.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “Phil is a fantastic supporter of our work and he jumped at the chance to greet some of our walk to school stars. He really made their day. The children were so excited to meet him and thoroughly enjoyed their special treat.”

The KM Charity Team runs award-winning walk to school services including Walk on Wednesday (WOW) and Active Bug as well as reading initiative Buster’s Book Club. Phil Gallagher is an active ambassador of the charity’s work, encouraging schools to sign up and pupils to fully embrace the schemes and reap the rewards.

Phil was guest of honour at a special assembly at Manor Community Primary School, Dartford earlier this year. He read a story to all the pupils as the prize for Sky Class coming first in a county-wide home reading competition organised by the KM Charity Team.

Another school will get the celebrity treatment in the spring when Phil will host a storytelling session for the winners of a reading challenge soon to be issued to all schools taking part in Buster’s Book Club.

Mr Dolby urged families across Kent to cheer on the KM Charity Team’s tireless ambassador as Phil takes on the role of Muddles in panto.

He added: “Snow White is one of the Marlowe Theatre’s best productions yet with plenty of fun for all the family. Don’t miss out; visit www.marlowetheatre.com today and get your tickets for a real highlight of the festive season.”

• Schools that register for Buster’s Book Club this term will pay less than half price per class and receive 30 free child entry tickets to Canterbury Tales. Visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk and apply before the December 17 deadline.
• Phil Gallagher features in the children’s blog Phil and Ted’s Excellent Adventures written by KM Charity Team mascot Ted the bear. Read more at www.philandted.co.uk.