EastEnders’ Ben Mitchell swapped Albert Square for Kent to bring festive cheer to EllenorLions Hospices patients.

Actor Harry Reid, who is from Northfleet, visited the EllenorLions Hospice in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, for the Day Therapy Christmas party.

There were smiles all round as the 22-year-old star spent time talking to the visiting patients and met the charity’s staff and volunteers.

Harry said: “It was an absolute to pleasure to visit EllenorLions Hospices and meet all of the lovely patients and wonderful people who make this local charity tick.

"I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and I hope the community will continue to support EllenorLions Hospices in 2015 by helping it raise the funds it needs to care local families.”

Day Therapy is one of the many services provided free of charge to seriously ill adults, where they receive individual care, complementary therapies, lunch, games and a chance to meet other patients.

Harry started his acting career at Miskin Theatre in Dartford, which has nurtured a number of big names over the years, including Bond girl Gemma Arterton and Dominic Power, who played Cameron Murray in Emmerdale.