PANTOMIME stars paid a visit to a children's ward this week to bring a little Christmas cheer to patients facing the prospect of spending the holiday in hospital.

The cast of Peter Pan, which is being staged at the Gala Theatre, in Durham City, paid a surprise visit to the Treetops Ward at the University Hospital of North Durham.

Neighbours star Lucinda Cowden, who plays Peter Pan, and Robert Pheby, who plays the evil Captain Hook, were among the stars doing their best to cheer the children up.

Actor Pee Wee Price, who plays henchman Smee, said: "We have had such a wonderful time entertaining all the children who have been to see Peter Pan so far, and we wanted to make sure that the children in hospital this Christmas didn't miss out on the fun."

The panto, which runs until January 7, is expected to break the Gala's record, with almost 21,000 tickets sold so far this year, more than 4,000 up on Jack and the Beanstalk at the same stage last year.

Tickets for the panto are available from the Gala Box Office on 0191-332-4041.