CHILDREN in York Hospital were treated to some comedy relief when a pop-up pantomime visited their ward.

Starlight Children’s Foundation visited the children's ward to perform Robinson Crusoe - an interactive adaptation of the classic children’s story.

They laughed, cheered and sung along with the four actors and their families and the hospital staff.

Claire Pala, who watched the pantomime with her nine-year-old son Daniel, said: "It was a great relief for us. Daniel had a giggle and it was nice to see him laughing again. They involved everyone."

St Wilfrid's School pupil Daniel said he enjoyed the show and especially liked the villain of the pantomime.

Meanwhile, Kerry Halliday was in the audience with her children Jessica, six, and Henry, three.

She said: "They really enjoyed it. There were lots of songs and singing and things to join in with. They were both glued to it; they were really engaged. It was a nice end to Christmas."

Starlight is a national charity that grants wishes for seriously and terminally-ill children and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices across the UK.

Rachel Wilson, play specialist at York Hospital, said: "We love the activities, fun and distraction the pantomime brings to the hospital. We know that play can significantly help to improve a child’s hospital experience and Starlight’s Christmas Pantomime gives our young patients a chance to forget their illness for a short while and simply have some fun."