’Enders villain pops in to L&D

But pantomime stars, Luton Town footballers and kind-hearted H&P readers have been doing their best to help cheer up poorly children at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

EastEnders and Gavin & Stacey star Larry Lamb had the youngsters, and their mums and dads, entranced as Captain Hook.

Larry, who is currently starring in Peter Pan at the Alban Arena, said: “It was just so moving to visit the children’s ward. “The children are such brave souls and their parents are so devoted to them.

“The standard of care at the hospital was amazing, too. When children used to go into hospital, they were on their own, now their parents can stay with them.”

Larry and his Peter Pan co-stars chatted to every child and posed for pictures with staff, too.

He added: “I’ve travelled to some parts of the world where services are extremely thin on the ground, and it makes you realise how lucky we are to have the NHS. These staff really are of the highest calibre.”

The plucky youngsters were also treated to a visit from Luton Town footballers, who handed out hats, gloves, shirts and signed photos.

And on Tuesday staff from the Herald&Post visited to hand over presents donated by our readers.

Herald&Post editor Lynn Hughes said: “Once again our readers have done us proud by helping to support those most in need in our community.”