IT may still be summer, but Christmas came early for some young patients at Basildon Hospital.

The poorly children were treated to a surprise panto by a charity.

The cast from the Starlight Children’s Foundation – a charity dedicated to improving the life of children with chronic and life-threatening conditions – put on a performance of the classic Sleeping Beauty to the delight of the youngsters.

Laura Ryan, the hospital’s play specialist, said, “Entertainment and play really help to distract poorly children from their illness and treatment.

“Starlight is a fantastic charity.

We can’t thank them enough for coming along and putting on a great performance.”

Hayley Bryant, who played Fairy Nuff in the panto, said: “Starlight’s Summer Panto is designed to be really engaging and entertaining for the children and we hope that the performance at Basildon Hospital gave the patients there a good dose of fun.”