For 14-year-old Kishan Halai Northwick Park Hospital has become like a second home.

The Kingsbury High School pupil collapsed earlier this year, suffering from a clot on the brain.

But on Thursday the teenager, who is now on the road to recovery, was left star-struck when indie pop band Scouting For Girls popped in to wish him happy Christmas.

The musicians, who grew up in and around the borough, were visiting children's ward Jack's Place to support the Observer's Christmas Toy Appeal.

Vocalist and pianist Roy Stride, with bassist Greg Churchouse and drummer Pete Ellard, spent more than an hour talking to children and parents and handed out gifts including signed copies of their hit single, She's So Lovely.

Over the past 18 months the band have built up a massive following and topped the UK album charts with their debut album, which held the number one slot for two weeks.

Mark Paszkowski, from Kenton, is a big fan of the band and picked up some tips about becoming a musician.

The 14-year-old, who was admitted to the ward after his appendix burst, said: "I can't believe they came in. I've got their album at home and really like their music. I've been playing the drums for three years and would love to be a drum-mer in a band when I'm older."

Sidney Quansah, five, from Wealdstone, is hoping to be out of hospital in time to play Rudolf the Reindeer in his Christmas play at Belmont First School this week. The little boy, who had a throat infection, was delighted to be presented a new football by the band.

And Anmol Lakhani, nine, from Harrow, had fun being pushed around the ward in a wheelchair by the band. The Priestmead Middle School pupil, who had a chest infection, said: "I got really excited when I saw Scouting. I really like their songs and I'm going to listen to their CD when I get home."

Singer Roy, who is looking forward to spending Christmas with family and friends at his home in South Harrow, said: "It was important for us to do this today and we hope it cheered up some of the kids.

"It must be so hard for parents to see their children in hospital, especially at Christmas. The staff here are wonderful and you can tell they work so hard to make the children's stay here as pleasant as it can be.

"None of us are strangers to North-wick Park. Pete was born here and Greg and I have both ended up here at some point. Once I was studying for an exam and I got a rubber stuck in my ear.

"When I was younger all I ever wanted was music equipment for Christmas, but this year I am just looking forward to putting my feet up, watching the Eastenders Christmas special and spending time with my friends and family."

Since the Observer launched its annual appeal last month, hundreds of presents have been donated by generous readers.

Jacqueline Waldon, ward manager for the paediatric unit at the hospital, said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community and would like to thank those individuals and businesses that donated to the appeal.

"They have really made a difference to sick children at Christmas and we are particularly grateful, given that times are tough for some people at the moment.

"Scouting For Girls were a real hit with the children and staff. They were fantastic and we thank them for giving up their time so enthusiatically.

"Thanks also go to the Observer for organising the event and Harrow Council for providing the transport to pick up and deliver the toys."

Gifts left over from the hospital will go to deserving families via Harrow Council's social services department.

Observer editor David Tilley thanked readers for supporting the appeal. He said: "Scouting For Girls were great with the children and really brought a smile to their faces. I want to thank them for taking time out of their busy schedule to support the campaign.

"Thanks also go to everyone who donated toys. Your generosity has made a difference to the children spending this festive season in hospital."