Robin Hood cast members took a break from performing on the Alhambra stage to bring a little bit of panto magic to children in hospital yesterday.

Bradford panto favourite Billy Pearce, who plays the title role in Robin Hood, headed the gathering of cast members at Bradford Royal Infirmary’s children’s ward.

The swashbuckling adventure tale marks Billy’s 13th pantomime season at the city’s Alhambra Theatre.

The comedian was joined at BRI’s ward two by Hilary O’Neil, who plays the Sorceress, and baddie Jay Worthy, who plays the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Emma Cannon, who plays Maid Marion, and Jamie Capewell, who plays Will Scarlet, completed the line-up.

Fourteen-month-old Millie Townsend and her parents Stephanie and Kurt, of Low Moor, Bradford, were entertained by several members of the cast.

Stephanie, 21, said: “They all came to talk to us and Millie loved the attention. It was nice to see her smiling.”

Seven-year-old Imaan Hussain, of Pudsey, was on the ward accompanied by her mum Zahra Sayed. Imaan had enjoyed a trip to the theatre to see the panto before Christmas.

Zahra said: “It was a great way to start the Christmas holidays. She loved the panto and today she recognised all the characters and chatted to each and every one of them.”

Robin Hood – the Pantomime Adventure runs at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford until Sunday, February 5. Tickets from £9 can be booked on (01274) 432000 or online at bradford-theatres.co.uk (booking fees apply). A signed performance takes place today at 7.15pm and captioned on Saturday, January 21, at 2.30pm.