X FACTOR star and local Liverpool girl Rebecca Ferguson took time out of her very busy touring schedule to meet with Wirral youngsters.

The event was organised by Wirral West MP Esther McVey, who asked Rebecca - currently on European tour - to make her home-coming concert a truly memorable one for the children.

Rebecca agreed and chatted with them during the sound check for her Sunday sell-out show at the Echo Arena

Esther said: “They’re not only her biggest fans, but children who have, and who continue to overcome difficulties and adversity.

“I wanted to give these children from Hayfield School in Upton, West Kirby Residential School and former patients of Alder Hey hospital a day they could cherish and remember, and what could be better than for them to meet platinum-selling recording star Rebecca at the Echo Arena.

“Rebecca was truly great with the kids, a natural.

"Iit is clear that she just loves children and was happy to chat with them, sign autographs and have photos taken.

"She was truly an absolute star.

“Not only did the children have a great time, I did too!

“Huge thanks to Rebecca and her team for making this all possible.”

To see our gallery of pictures by Stuart Bogg, click here.