YOUNG patients at a children's hospital ward were surprised with a visit from some colourful characters this week.

The stars of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this year’s pantomime at the Gala Theatre in Durham, popped into the Treetops ward at the University Hospital of North Durham to spread some Christmas cheer.

Chester the Jester, played by Paul Hartley, Snow White, aka Lauren Waine, and Will the Woodsman, played by Jacob Anderton, spent time chatting with the youngsters and their families.

Among them were seven year-old Leyton-John Gibson, from Ferryhill, and 11 year-old Nicolas Morgan, from Newton Hall near Durham.

Star and director of the pantomime Paul Hartley said: “Being in hospital at this time of year can be difficult for anyone, particularly children.

"It was a privilege to go and visit the youngsters and to have hopefully put a smile on their faces.”

Determined to prove that pantomime magic is not just for children, the cast also spent time with the NHS staff to say thank you for their hard work, particularly over the busy Christmas period.

Katie Pike, Treetops ward manager, said: “It was a real treat for the children and the staff that the pantomime cast took the time to come and visit. It was so thoughtful and really brought the spirit of Christmas to the ward.”

There are still tickets left for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, for more information or to book visit galadurham.co.uk. Tickets start at £10, with family tickets from £50.