SINGER and songwriter Katie Melua helped to entertain young patients when she visited a children’s hospital.

The star was at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton to record a piece for the BBC’s Children in Need programme on Friday.

Katie was able to see first hand the work of the Rhythmix Wishing Well programme, a charity project.

The project works in partnership with a number of NHS trusts and charities across the south east, bringing live interactive music for wellbeing into hospitals and hospices.

Its musicians work closely with healthcare staff to make sure its approach is right for each individual person.

It carries out interactive music sessions at bedsides and play areas on high dependency, medical and surgical wards.

A statement on its website said: “We use voices, acoustic instruments and music technology and encourage as much participation as possible. Musicians use familiar songs and creative improvisation to help children and young people express themselves.”

During her visit Katie, well known for her song The Closest Thing to Crazy, met children on wards and their families and staff and learned about the impact the project has.

Some children have been in hospital a long time, sometimes since birth.

Music stimulates their curiosity and helps build bonds between them and their parents and siblings.

The project also runs a music in healthcare module for third year students at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

This offers insights into the use of music to support children and their families while they are in hospital.

Katie visited the project ahead of the announcement she has released this year’s official BBC Children in Need single, Fields of Gold.

It is in honour of Sir Terry Wogan, who presented the programme from its launch until his death in January 2016.

The song was originally written and recorded by Sting, featuring on his 1993 album Ten Summoner’s Tales.

People can show their support for the programme and help make a difference to the lives of young people by texting WELL15 £5/£10/£50 to 70070.

Alternatively they can visit justgiving.com/Rhythmix/Donate.