POORLY children at Northwick Park Hospital got a special surprise when Katie Waissel paid a visit as part of the Observer's Christmas Toy Appeal.

Sporting a Santa hat, The X Factor finalist said it was an honour to meet the children and help them through a difficult time, in not being able to go home for Christmas.

Katie, who was born at Northwick Park almost 25 years ago, helped to hand out toys - just a few of the 100 or so generously donated by Observer readers.

The games, toys and dolls were gratefully received by the patients, from babies and toddlers through to secondary school pupils.

Afterwards, Katie said: "It is an amazing appeal. I always wanted to get involved because I am a local girl and I was born here. I have wanted to do this for a while. It is an honour, and I have had the best time ever."

Katie, who went to school in Pinner and lives in Harefield, said she wanted to do more for the hospital in future and agreed to perform at Jack's Place, the children's ward.

She said: "They were fantastic. Lots of them were babies. They were all so wonderful; the parents as well. It is nice for them to get together and to show a little of the Christmas spirit. Hopefully it will make a big difference.

"I would love to come back again some time and sing them some songs."

Marian Osman, whose daughter, Sabrin Osman, received a colouring-in book and some ballerina slips, said: "It was really exciting to meet her in person, after seeing her on TV for so long.

"It was nice to see Sabrin smile. That hasn't been for a while."

Vicky Peploe, a nurse at Jack's Place, said: "We were delighted to receive so many toys. The local community have been so generous.

"Everyone on the ward would like to say a huge thank you.

"It was lovely to meet Katie. She was very chatty and had a good rapport with the children.

"The children were very excited to have a VIP come and say happy Christmas. It makes a big difference to them, as they would normally be at home with their family, so to meet someone famous at the hospital keeps their spirits up."

Ms Waissel is touring the country following her rise to fame on The X Factor, in which she reached the quarter-finals.

After visiting Northwick Park, Katie dashed off for a gig in Middlesbrough the same evening.

She said: "I am looking forward to Christmas. It's a jolly old time of year.

"I am just enjoying my time and it is lovely to take time out and be able to be a part of the community."