A charity which supports seriously ill children has partnered with Oxford Children's Hospital.

The hospital, located on the John Radcliffe Hospital site in Oxford, cares for young people across the surrounding area.

These young people, along with their families, will now welcome Spread a Smile's entertainers, including musicians, artists, magicians and therapy dogs, for in-person visits at the hospital.

Additionally, weekly virtual activity sessions, such as art clubs and storytelling, will be available for patients and their families.

Young patients at the children’s hospital will also be able to join virtual activity days celebrating seasonal occasions during school holidays and benefit from regular treat drops.

Joanne Pinney, health play specialist team manager at Oxford University Hospitals, said: "The team at Oxford are very excited for the new partnership with Spread a Smile.

"Now, we are able to witness the sounds of children singing along with a fairy or the laughter and delight as magic tricks are performed.

"We look forward to many more exciting visits from the charity. Thank you so much to Spread a Smile for bringing so much fun to us."

Spread a Smile’s mission is to put smiles on the faces of as many seriously ill children as possible in NHS hospitals, homes and hospices across the UK.

The new partnership means it will now be supporting 34 major and speciality NHS hospitals and six hospice partners.