Father Christmas and his elves, Darth Vader and a pony were among the guests at a charity’s Christmas party.

The Dream Factory, a Chigwell-based charity which grants wishes to children and young people who have life-threatening conditions, held the celebration at Mooro’s restaurant on Sunday.

The party was also attended by characters from Christmas Dreams, an animated film showing for free at the Exchange shopping centre in Ilford every weekend, and boxing champion Colin McMillan, a patron of the charity.

Avril Mills founded the Dream Factory five years ago following the death of her son Oliver, 9, from leukaemia.

Mrs Mills said: “It was really amazing. I had tears in my eyes seeing the children dance, sing and have fun.”