THE cast of this year’s Malvern pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, were in town this week helping to launch a new range of unusual gifts at the Malvern Oxfam shop.

The panto stars, including pop star and TV presenter Toyah Willcox, children’s TV favourite Derek Moran, panto stalwart Charles Burden and actress Wendy Purdy, were at the Malvern shop in Church Street to unveil Oxfam’s latest range of innovative charity presents, Unwrapped.

This year the range includes a brand new selection of children’s gifts. As well as firm favourites such as the Oxfam Unwrapped goat gift (£25), presents include playtime and educational packages for children living in poverty or emergency situations. These cost as little as £7.

Oxfam shop manager Wayne Rutter said: “Pantomimes are part of the classic Christmas experience so we’re delighted that the stars of Sleeping Beauty are helping launch the new range of Oxfam Unwrapped gifts in Malvern.”

He said there was always a huge amount of interest in the slightly more unusual gifts Oxfam offered.

“They are perfect if you are struggling to find something for that friend who has everything already. Plus both giver and receiver can be happy in the knowledge that the gift has made a real difference to someone who needs it.”

The gifts provide things such as clean water or a goat or teacher training schemes in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Sleeping Beauty is at Malvern Theatres from next Thursday, December 16, and runs until Sunday, January 9. Call malvern Theatres on 01684 892277 for more information.