OLDHAM Coliseum panto stars sprinkled some seasonal magic at Dr Kershaw's Hospice, thrilling patients and staff on what is becoming an annual visit - oh, yes it is!

The Cinderella cast dashed to the Royton hospice as soon as the matinee curtain fell.

And they were chatting with patients and staff - many posing for pictures with the colourful characters.

Sue Devaney, who plays the wicked stepmother in this year's ever-popular panto, said the whole team were delighted to be able to go to the hospice and brighten up the day.

"We were all really looking forward to going and we were given such a lovely welcome," said Sue.

"The staff at Dr Kershaw's are amazing and it was lovely to be able to speak to them as well as the patients.

Buttons, played by Richard J Fletcher, was sat cross-legged on the floor of the Day Services unit as he sat and chatted with the patients.

And he had them in fits of laughter when he told a couple of his one-liners and had the whole room to shouting out his on-stage calling card for this year's production, "Buff the buttons Buttons!".

Other cast members - which included Shorelle Hepkin who plays, Chante Faucher who is Prince Charming, 'Baron' Mitesh Soni and, of course, Finetime Fontane who plays one of the Ugly Sisters - also went to the in-patient unit to meet patients and staff.

Adele Doherty, clinical matron, said that the pantomime cast visit really lifts everyone's spirits at the hospice and signals the start of what is always a busy festive season.

"We are very grateful to the stars for giving up their time to visit and it really does make a difference," she said.

"Patients are at the centre of everything we do and to see so many smiles and so much laughter was precious, a memory we can all share."

Cinderella , which opened on November 10, has now stepped up to two performances a day and runs until January 12.