A TEN-year-old Guiseley boy was among the patients at Bradford Royal Infirmary's children's ward who met the star cast from the Alhambra Theatre's pantomime this week.

Yorkshire’s best loved comedian and king of panto Billy Pearce, who plays the role of Smee in the production of Peter Pan, was joined for the visit to Ward Two by actor and TV presenter Darren Day who is dastardly Captain Hook in the show.

Also there in costume was Emmerdale favourite Charlie Hardwick as the Magical Mermaid and S Club 7’s Jon Lee who is the high-flying hero Peter Pan.

The cast’s visit to the BRI has now become an annual event, said Mr Pearce who notches up his 18th panto season at the Alhambra this year.

“It’s a tradition now coming here. I’ve got to know the ward staff. It’s something I look forward to, coming and chatting to the children and their families and bringing them something to smile about,” he said.

Ten-year-old Sonny Shanbhag from Guiseley, who is two weeks into a six week stay for a bone infection in his hip, said the cast had cheered him up, especially Billy.

Sonny, who plays for Baildon Trinity Dynamo Blues and Otley Cricket Club, said: “I was feeling a bit fed-up before but they’ve cheered me up. They came into my room to see me. I liked them all but really enjoyed chatting to Billy.”

Celebrity Darren Day said yesterday’s visit was poignant for him because of a meningitis scare with his own 10-year-old daughter last week.

“Luckily it wasn’t meningitis and she’s home now but it was terrible at the time. We were well looked after by the NHS so personally I really do appreciate all the hard work that children’s nurses and doctors put in. They are very special people.”

Safina Tai, 37, who is mum-of-IVF twins Maheera and Mehreen, 12-weeks-old,

also met the cast.

“I really didn’t expect to meet Peter Pan when I came in this morning but it’s been brilliant. It’s great for the kids. There’s been lots of excitement on the ward,” she said.

Hayley Collis, Charity Fundraiser from Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity said: “Bringing a little fun and laughter to poorly children in hospital is magical and we are incredibly grateful to all the cast. It’s heart-warming to see the smiles and giggles on the children’s faces.” To help support Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, please contact us on 01274 274809 or email: charity@bthft.nhs.uk