YOUNGSTERS spending time in hospital over Christmas and New Year thought they had stepped into a fairytale when Snow White and her friends popped by.

The cast of this year’s pantomime at the Central Theatre, Chatham, gave the poorly children a much needed dose of festive cheer when they visited the Dolphin and Panda wards of the Medway Maritime Hospital.

The pint-sized stars of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were joined by leading lady Claire Huckle delivering presents and chatting to 20 youngsters staying in the hospital over Christmas.

Rusty Goffe, who plays Grumbly in the show, said: “It was a beautiful visit. Spending time with these special children was a privilege. Hopefully we managed to bring them some happiness.”

Claire Huckle, who has won great reviews this year as Snow White, said: ”The visit was for an absolutely worthwhile cause.

“When I was young, Snow White was the first panto I saw.

“I have remembered it all my life. I hope they’ll cherish the memory as well and I hope we cheered them up a bit.”

The visit was much appreciated by the hospital.

A spokesman said: “It was very good of them to give up their free time and come to the hospital to give the kids some support at what can be a difficult time of the year.”

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Central Theatre, Chatham, until Sunday, January 6. To book tickets, call 01634 338338.