Christmas is a magical time of year for children and staff at Medway Maritime Hospital are determined that will be equally so for their youngest patients.

A series of visits has been organised to keep children’s spirits up and try to give them some happy memories from their time in hospital.

The most recent visitors to the ward were actors from Aladdin, this year’s pantomime at The Central Theatre in Chatham. Former EastEnders and Grange Hill actor Todd Carty, who plays villainous Abanazaar in the show, led the cast members.

They included Britain’s Got Talent runners-up Twist and Pulse, who play PCs Hip and Hop in the show and David Dobson, who has been entertaining audiences as Aladdin’s brother Wishee Washee.

Other visitors have included characters from the hit film Frozen - the appearance of Anna, Elsa and Olaf brought big smiles to the faces of little patients.

And Gills players recently took a break from training to bring a little festive cheer to the young patients

The first team, including goalkeeper Stuart Nelson, captain Doug Loft and top striker Cody McDonald, spent more than an hour chatting to patients and their families, signing autographs, posing for pictures and handing out presents.

The visits were organised by hospital play specialist Ann McKinnon said: “It really lifted the children’s spirits. They were so pleased to see them.”

Aladdin runs until Sunday, January 4. For details, go to www.chathampanto.com or call 01634 338338.