Visually impaired Martha Shakespeare aged eight, from Otley joined more than 100 other youngsters who are blind or partially sighted, with their families and school groups, for a backstage tour of The Jungle Book, at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

Organised by Action for Blind People, Martha met the cast prior to the show, and was invited to a touch tour, which involved handling the props and instruments used in the play.

Action for Blind People organises a range of activities and events for children and young people with sight loss, including its popular Actionnaires clubs, for four to 16-year-olds.

They give visually impaired children opportunities to take part in social activities, boosting self-esteem and confidence. Friends and families are also encouraged to get involved.

Martha said: “I really liked The Jungle Book, it was really good.”

Karen Boyes, from Action for Blind People, said: “A huge thank you to the West Yorkshire Playhouse and everyone involved in The Jungle Book for arranging this lovely day.”

For more information about Action for Blind People’s local Actionnaires club, visit actionforblindpeople.org.uk/children or call Karen Boyes on 0113 386 2800 or e-mail karen.boyes @actionforblindpeople.org.uk.