Youngsters spending Christmas on the children's ward at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill were treated to a sprinkling of panto magic thanks to some colourful characters.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation took to the stage there to perform Sleeping Beauty for some of the hospital’s youngest patients. The children on Outwood ward followed the adventures of Fairy Nuff, the Princess Aurora and her handsome Prince Hero and the cast, who danced and sang for their audience of patients, families and hospital staff. Nina Lawrence, play specialist for Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: “Every year we look forward to the arrival of Starlight’s Christmas panto.”

She said: “It’s always a really engaging show and a wonderful escape for our young patients.

“Play is proven to significantly improve a poorly child’s hospital experience, and the show is a fantastic distraction from any pain they might be feeling as a result of their illness.”