CHILDREN at Salisbury District Hospital enjoyed an extraordinary Christmas treat when colourful characters from this year’s city panto Jack and the Beanstalk popped in for a lively visit.

There were smiles all around as Fairy Fabulous Nic James, Dolly the Cow Eloise Runnette and fellow cast member Brandon Thompson met patients on the Children’s Ward, as well as the Imber Elderly Care Ward.

Panto stars visiting Imber Elderly Care Ward.

Charlotte, aged 16, from Salisbury, said: “It was fun meeting the panto stars. It made me feel good and brightened up my day.

“Being in hospital isn’t the most enjoyable of experiences so when you have fun people coming in it makes it more interesting. It was really nice to see them.”

Organised in collaboration with cultural charity Wiltshire Creative, the visit was part of the Stars Appeal Live programme – one of a range of wellbeing projects that the charity offers at the hospital, funded entirely by donations.

The programme brings live music and other creative activities to patients and visitors at the hospital.

Stars Appeal Live co-ordinator Rebecca Seymour added: “It was wonderful to see the excitement and joy this magical visit brought to patients and staff.

“We are so grateful to the cast members and Wiltshire Creative for being part of our Stars Appeal Live programme this Christmas.

“Thank you to all the donors who support the Stars Appeal and make programmes like Stars Appeal Live possible.”

Wiltshire Creative executive director Rosa Corbishley said: “As a charity, we are delighted that our Jack and the Beanstalk cast members could bring some pantomime magic to the patients at Salisbury District Hospital this Christmas.

“Pantomime brings joy, laughter and happiness to the city every year. We love collaborating with the Stars Appeal to lift patients’ spirits and ensure that those that can’t visit the Playhouse this year don’t feel left out.”

Jack and the Beanstalk is at Salisbury Playhouse until January 11. For tickets and more information visit www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk