JOE McELDERRY brought smiles to the faces of nurses and patients earlier today, making an unannounced visit to their hospital.

The South Shields-born X-Factor winner dropped in at University Hospital of North Durham (UHND), in Durham City, where he did a work experience placement before becoming a music star.

"All the staff were delighted to see him and tell him they were so pleased he won. They were congratulating him and saying they were so proud."

Trust spokesman

For a week in December 2006, Joe, who at the time was interested in becoming a paramedic or a doctor, shadowed a member of the hospital's floor team, managing ward beds.

Today he spent much of the morning chatting with nurses and went on a short tour of the wards, meeting patients.

Joe wanted to thank hospital staff who he met in 2006 for their support during his stunning X-Factor run, which culminated in him wining the hit talent show and scoring a New Year number one with his first single, The Climb.

A spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, which runs UHND, said Joe's management contacted the Trust at the end of last week, saying that he had been home over Christmas and wanted to visit the hospital before beginning rehearsals for The X-Factor live tour 2010, which takes to the road in February.

She said: "It was quite amazing to have Joe at the hospital.

"All the staff were delighted to see him and tell him they were so pleased he won. They were congratulating him and saying they were so proud.

"The Trust was pleased to welcome Joe. It was nice for the staff to get to meet such a star."