Santa Claus himself was among the famous faces this weekend, as a charity provided the dream start to the festive season for a group of children.

On Sunday (November 22), the Marriott Hotel in Waltham Abbey hosted the Dream Factory’s annual Christmas party.

The Essex-based charity hopes to brighten the lives of children and young adults with life limiting conditions.

Elsa and Arna from Frozen, Star Wars’ Stormtroopers and Marco the Clown all made appearances as the 80 children and their siblings enjoyed activities such as face painting, gingerbread decorating and party games.

Special guest Lydia Lucy from X Factor performed, and charity patrons including actors Gillian Taylforth and Terry Alderton, boxing champion Colin McMillan, paralympian Anne Wafula, TV presenter Lisa Nash and deputy lieutenant of Essex Michael Chapman all appeared as well.

Dream Factory founder Avril Mills said the hotel had done a “magnificent job” giving the children a day to remember.

Marriott sales director Caroline Jenkins said: “It was lovely to have all the children here celebrating Christmas and having a great time with their friends and family.

“It was wonderful for our staff to get involved and we’re really pleased to have hosted the event.

“The charity does some incredible work helping young people’s dreams become a reality and we hope to partner with them again in the future.”