Panto stars were full of Christmas cheer when they took time off from rehearsals to visit children in hospital.

Tinkerbell, Wendy and Tiger Lily from Peter Pan at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, chatted to children at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in the city.

The actors dressed in their glorious stage outfits as they met 21 children for more than an hour to tell them about the show.

The trio toured Taaffe and Blanche wards before meeting parents, staff and youngsters on Cawthorne ward.

Beth Humphreys, 22, who plays Wendy, said: "We were really happy that we could be at the hospital. The children were lovely and talkative and it was wonderful to see their smiling faces."

Davina Perera, 24, plays Tiger Lily in the performance. She said she was pleased she could personally deliver some of the magic and sparkle of the pantomime, which runs until January 20.

She said: "We're here because the kids can't get to the theatre and so we're bringing the show to them. We're telling them about behind the scenes at the theatre and we're listening to everything they have to say.

"I've just been a contestant in Pop Idol so I've been very busy. Being here today puts your life in perspective and makes you realise how lucky you are.

"I'm really enjoying being in Peter Pan. It's very hard work but I absolutely love it."

Ceilings and walls at the hospital were decked out with cards and fairy lights. Tinsel was wrapped around bedsteads and a Christmas tree and life-sized Father Christmas stood in the hospital foyer.

Jessica Chapman, six, of Burgess Hill, clutched her toy unicorn, Starlight, as she met Tinkerbell, played by Anna Kumble.

She said: "It's really nice of them to come here and they've put all their clothes on for us."

Emma Marshall, six, of Hollingdean, Brighton, said she was looking forward to seeing the pantomime on January 5 and Matthew King, 15, posed for photographs with all three stars.

He said: "With it being quite close to Christmas you do get bored in here at this time of year.

"It's lovely of them to come and makes the day much better than normal."

Staff at the hospital are planning a carol service on Christmas Eve and Santa Claus will deliver presents to children staying in hospital on Christmas Day.

Presents will also be delivered by staff from the Rockinghorse Appeal, the charity which raises money to buy new medical equipment.