CHILDREN'S television favourites, Mr Jolly and sidekick Whybird from Playdays, flew in to cheer up sick youngsters at Princess Margaret Hospital.

The duo, who are appearing in a one-off summer sing along show at the Wyvern on Sunday, August 18, performed balloon tricks to the delight of those on Thames Children's Unit yesterday.

Comical Mr Jolly wowed Amber Davies, three, and Bradley Rooney, two-and-a-half, by creating a knight on horseback and dog from balloons.

Maggie Freegard, PMH play specialist, said: "This kind of thing is very important to the children because it lifts them.

"We look after children aged from only a few days. It's a long day for them so they need cheering up.

"Our job is to create a friendly atmosphere, take the children's minds off nasty things like blood tests and operations and tell them about procedures in a child-friendly way.

"Hopefully they associate Mr Jolly and Whybird with birthday parties and it will not put them off hospital in years to come."

Mr Jolly and Whybird's one-off summer show features other Playdays favourites, Peggy and Patch, in a nursery rhyme and song extravaganza aimed at children aged three to six.

Call Swindon 535534 for ticket details.