SICK children were elated when an X Factor star visited their ward.

Last year's winner of the ITV1 reality TV show, Alexandra Burke, took time out of her busy schedule to visit the Acorn children’s ward at Whipps Cross University Hospital on Saturday.

The children and their families were extremely excited by her entrance - as were the staff.

The singer spent time with many of the young patients, chatting and handing out toys donated by Sytner Mini, in Chigwell.

Eileen Elms, head of nursing on Acorn ward, said: “We are very grateful to Alexandra for coming to see us and spend time with many of the children on the ward.

“This can be a tough time for a child to be in hospital and they were thrilled and thoroughly enjoyed meeting her.”

Alexandra thanked the staff for all their hard work.

Last year, Alexandra’s version of "Hallelujah" made Christmas number one in the singles charts and she became Europe’s record holder for single sales - selling 105,000 copies in one day.