Jack and the Beanstalk stars visit Ronald McDonald House

Arriving in character and dressed in their larger-than-life, sparkling costumes, the cast of Jack and the Beanstalk brought the magic of panto to children staying at Ronald McDonald House and are going through difficult times in the hospital.

In attendance was Sean Jones, who plays Simple Simon; Oliver Brooks, who plays Dame Trott; Joseph Elliot, who plays Fleshcreep; Tom Sterling, who plays The King; and Rachel Grundy, who plays Jill.

Cast of 'Jack & The Beanstalk' during visit to Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park Hospital (Image: Hannah Rossiter / Floral Paviliion)Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free 'home away from home' accommodation, allowing families across the UK and abroad to remain close to their child while in hospital.

The panto stars were treated to a tour of the House, which is equipped with seven ensuite rooms where families can relax – away from the busy ward.

They also have a kitchen with laundry facilities, where families can cook and be together, just as they would at home, to ensure they can wake from a night’s stay well-rested and feel ready for whatever the day may bring.

Rachel Grundy, who plays Jill in 'Jack & The Beanstalk' during visit to Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park Hospital (Image: Hannah Rossiter / Floral Pavilion)Ronald McDonald Arrowe Park house manager, Katy Knight, said: "We were thrilled to welcome the stars of Jack and the Beanstalk to the House and thank them for taking time out of their busy schedule to bring some much-needed joy to our families.

“Christmas can be a particularly difficult time when you have a seriously ill child in hospital.

"At the House, we try to bring a sense of normality and routine, by allowing families to enjoy the seasonal traditions they’d be doing at home, whether that’s decorating the tree, cooking a turkey roast or watching a festive family show.

Joseph Elliot, who plays Fleshcreep; in 'Jack & The Beanstalk' during visit to Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park Hospital (Image: Hannah Rossiter / Floral Pavilion)"It's so important they’re still able to make memories, even when they’re going through such difficult times."

To support Ronald McDonald House Charities UK by purchasing a virtual Christmas gift, visit www.rmhc.org.uk/virtual-gifts. For more about the charity, go to www.rmhc.org.uk.

Jack and the Beanstalk, is a fee-fi-fo-fabulous, reimagined romp through a classic tale you thought you knew. It features Coronation Street and Emmerdale actress Hayley Tamaddon as The Vegetable Fairy.

It is on at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton until Sunday, January 7. To find out more visit floralpavilion.com.