HE'S behind you! Oh yes he is!

It was smiles all round when Swansea Grand's panto stars made a special visit to the children's ward at Singleton Hospital.

Nobody wants to be in hospital, especially over Christmas, but the cast of this year's panto — Cinderella — took time out from their schedule to bring a bit of festive cheer to the unwell youngsters at the ward.

Stars including actress Su Pollard, Chris Jarvis from CBeebies, Sarah Thomas from Last of the Summer Wine, and Nia Jermin, who is playing Cinderella, all went along to see the unlucky kids.

And how could we forget the ugly sisters, played by Swansea favourite Kevin Johns and playwright Frank Vickery.

Kevin, who was dressed in his ugly sister costume to raise a few laughs, said meeting the youngsters was fantastic.

"Everyone absolutely loved it. It is something we do every year," he said.

"It was very special. It is one of my favourite days of the year."

He said he hoped they had managed to raise some spirits.

"We go to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer for them and their parents," he said.

"Some of them are hoping to be out for Christmas.

"I met this one little boy from Plasmawr, which is where I was brought up, and he was hoping he would be out for Christmas Day.

"The cast were quite touched by it. Life is not so bad when you see the children stuck there in hospital.

"We also support the Welsh Blood Service, because some of the children are dependant on blood transfusions."

Ward manager Jan Williams said: "The children had a ball. The cast took their time with them and went around every single child. It was really nice.

"Every member of the cast came — they were superb.

"They did put a smile on all their faces. The children were thrilled to bits.

"Su Pollard has done it a few times here and she has been so much fun every time. She took a huge amount of time with them.

"The children loved the outfits. The babies were just staring at them, especially the jewels on Su's costume.

"We even had children that had just been into theatre who met the panto stars."

She said staff were hoping most of the children would make it home for Christmas, but sadly others would not.

"We had a full ward," she said.

"We have got a handful of children that will end up staying in over Christmas, but they will have a fun time. Santa comes in to visit them on Christmas Day."

The Welsh Blood Service is reminding people not to forget to donate blood this Christmas, as traditionally blood stocks can drop at this time of year.

Trudi Evans, recruitment manager at the Welsh Blood Service, said: "Please give that extra special gift this Christmas and new year — be a life-saver and become a regular blood donor. Can you think of a better gift to give your community, or one that can make such a difference to people who receive it?"

For information about the Welsh Blood Service call 0800 252266 or visit www.welshblood.org.uk