Cinderella cast members took a break from performing on the Alhambra stage yesterday to bring a little bit of panto magic to children in hospital.

Bradford pantomime favourite, Billy Pearce, who plays the role of Buttons in this year’s panto, headed the gathering of cast members at Bradford Royal Infirmary’s children’s ward.

Billy was joined for the visit to Ward Two by Hannah Grover (Cinderella), Christopher Drake (Prince Charming) and Afnan Iftikhar (Dandini).

Children, parents and staff were thrilled by the visit, which saw the cast chatting to the children and handing out goodies such as light sabres and wands.

Six-year-old Immalia Zito, of Idle, was thrilled to see the cast, despite having just undergone a tonsillectomy. Her parents Suzy and George promised her a trip to see the pantomime when she has recovered. George said: “Billy is such a nice bloke and he really makes it.”

Abbu Bakkhar Sher, 15, of Hollings Road, Girlington, was due to have his appendix removed yesterday afternoon, and the lunchtime visit from the panto cast managed to take his mind off the operation. Along with his parents Gul and Asma, he chatted to Prince Charming and Dandini.

Nine-year-old Morgan Taylor, of Buttershaw, had ear surgery yesterday to have grommets fitted but was excited to see the cast. Her mum Mary said: “She is a bit groggy, but when I said the people from the panto were coming, she wanted to stay awake.”

Lucy Guzik, six, of Delamere Street, had just undergone a tonsillectomy but was delighted to see the cast in full costume.

Cinderella marks Billy’s 14th pantomime season at the Alhambra Theatre and every year he takes time to visit children at BRI. He said: “I hope it cheers up the kids up and brightens up the day for them.”

Ward Sister Jan Foster added: “It is fantastic. We look forward to the visit every year – the staff love it as much as the kids. Billy always has time to speak to all the children. Even the children that are scared at first open up to him – everyone loves Billy.”